Their début single, 'To You', on Ugly Man Records was produced by and featured backing vocals by Guy Garvey, lead singer of Еlbow.
Début album Natural History was released in March 2001 on Wall of Sound offshoot We Love You. It was followed by the self-titled I Am Kloot in September 2003 on the Echo label. In their early years I Am Kloot were regarded by many as an example of the 'quiet is the new loud' trend in indie rock, as they gained prominence in the same years as, for example, Turin Brakes and Norway's Kings of Convenience. I Am Kloot, however mostly acoustic, were definitely not always 'quiet', if only because of Bramwell's rough singing and Hargreaves' often powerful drumming.
The third 'Kloot' LP, Gods and Monsters, was released in April 2005. The band subsequently announced their departure from the label, citing reasons such as a lack of financial support and the cancellation of singles at short notice. The band released a compilation of radio sessions, BBC Radio 1 John Peel Sessions in October 2006, a collection of two Peel Sessions and other rarities.
Their fourth album, I Am Kloot Play Moolah Rouge, was released in April 2008. Once again a compilation album followed in its slipstream, this time 2009's collection of B-sides, rare recordings, sessions, and previously unreleased material, entitled B.
Following the somewhat disappointing sales of the 'Moolah Rouge' album, I Am Kloot had Elbow's Guy Garvey and Craig Potter produce their next studio album, which turned out to be a majestic return to form. Sky at Night (released July 2010) was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and charted at #24 in the U.K. album charts.
I Am Kloot were back on the map. 2013's Let It All In became their highest charting album in the U.K. (#10), but would turn out to be their final studio LP together. There would be two more releases (a soundtrack album called From There to Here in 2014, and a 2015 live album entitled Hold Back the Night: I Am Kloot Live) before John Bramwell announced (in late 2017) that the group had quietly split up a year or so earlier.
"There was no heavy break-up or anything," Bramwell said. "I just wanted to do something else. I'll never say never to getting back together but I was in I Am Kloot most of my adult life, but just as you can go to a great place on holiday year after year, sooner or later you want to go to somewhere else."
Avenue of Hope
I Am Kloot Lyrics
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the footsteps falter, fingers grope
and the days, stretch out beneath the sun
no-one's born, no-one dies,
no-one loves, so no-one cries
and we wait to see just what we will become
don't let the earth in me subside
let me see just who i will become
you're like the clouds in my home town
you just grow fat, and hang around
and your days, stretch out beneath the sun
no-one's born, no-one dies,
no-one loves, so no-one cries
and we wait to see just what we will become
don't let me borrow, don't let me bring
don't let me wallow, don't make me sing
let me see just who i will become
don't let me falter, don't let me hide
don't let someone else decide
just who or what i will become
don't make 'em borrow, don't make 'em bring
don't let them wallow, don't let them sing
let them stretch out beneath the sun
The song 'Avenue of Hope' by I Am Kloot explores the theme of human potential and the concept of waiting to see what we will become. The opening lines paint a picture of uncertainty and hesitation - the feet falter and the fingers grope, indicating a sense of uncertainty and lack of direction. The repetition of the line "no-one's born, no-one dies, no-one loves, so no-one cries" adds to the sense of emptiness and uncertainty, creating the feeling that life is a series of empty days stretching out beneath the sun.
The chorus plea of "don't let me falter, don't let me ride, don't let the earth in me subside, let me see just who I will become" highlights the fear of becoming stagnant and unfulfilled. The repeated refrain of "let me see just who I will become" emphasizes the need for self-discovery and personal growth. The line "you're like the clouds in my hometown, you just grow fat and hang around" adds an air of nostalgia and longing, highlighting the desire for change and progress.
The final two stanzas of the song shift from addressing the self to addressing others. This shift in focus speaks to the universality of the human experience - we all have moments where we feel unsure and seek guidance from others. The plea "don't let them wallow, don't let them sing, let them stretch out beneath the sun" is a call to action, urging us to support one another in our quest for self-discovery and fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
along the avenue of hope
Walking down a path of optimism
the footsteps falter, fingers grope
Uncertainty and fear start to take hold
and the days, stretch out beneath the sun
Time slows down, days seem endless
no-one's born, no-one dies, no-one loves, so no-one cries
Life seems stagnant and bleak, no emotions present
and we wait to see just what we will become
Unclear about the future, waiting for destiny to unfold
don't let me falter, don't let me ride, don't let the earth in me subside
Asks for support to not lose motivation and drive
let me see just who i will become
Wants to discover their true potential
you're like the clouds in my home town, you just grow fat, and hang around
A metaphorical comparison to someone who remains stagnant and unchanging
don't let me borrow, don't let me bring, don't let me wallow, don't make me sing
Asks for independence to make their own choices and not be influenced by others
don't let me falter, don't let me hide, don't let someone else decide
Reiterates the need for self-determination
just who or what i will become
The desire to define their own identity
don't make 'em borrow, don't make 'em bring, don't let them wallow, don't let them sing
Encouragement for others to also take control of their own lives
let them stretch out beneath the sun
Free them from constraints and allow them to grow
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDREW HARGEAVES, JOHN BRAMWELL, PETER JOBSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind