Kurt Vile proved himself an immensely skilled songwriter some albums ago, but this year's Smoke Ring for My Halo truly sets him apart from his peers. He adds off-kilter, drawling vocal cadence and abstract lyrical imagery to his already arresting structures, and the resultant 11 songs of happily and hazily meandering folk have garnered (warranted) critical acclaim from both sides of the Atlantic (Vile is from Philly). Also enjoying heavy praise are his live shows, where along with his adept backing band the Violators, he spins the enchanting catalog into enthralling performance. Not sure what the capacity is at Sunset, but tonight it will be maxed. (Sunset Tavern, 5433 Ballard Ave NW, 784-4880, 9 pm, $12, 21+)