David Gray

After three solid albums diffidently supported by three labels, English pop-folkster David Gray got the break he deserved when frat-friendly superstar Dave Matthews chose White Ladder as the first release on Matthews’ own label. True to its title, Ladder kept climbing, reaching multiple platinum on the strengths of its effervescent electronic beats and Gray’s sophisticated, warbling tenor, netting memorable singles in “Please Forgive Me” and “Babylon.” That’s a tough act to follow commercially, and on A New Day At Midnight, released in November, it’s clear Gray’s not letting the pressure screw up his songwriting. This time the digital effects are mostly gone in favor of a mellower, more somber mood, less Wallflowers and more Van Morrison. While it may lack the immediately appealing quality of his breakthrough, it passes the test of repeated listens with flying colors. Northrop, 84 Church St. S.E., (612) 624-2345, www.northrop.umn.edu