Yahoo! Music Album Review

Released on 15/08/05
Label: Regal/EMI

Like a favourite old jumper, there's always been something comfortably, reassuringly shambolic about Alfie. From Badly Drawn Boy's backing band around his "Bewilderbeast" period via Twisted Nerve to unlikely major label promotion, theirs has been an unlikely and protracted ascent. A bit more Crewe Alexandra than Manchester United.

This in itself could be a potential pitfall. These days, major labels (a bit like Premiership football clubs) don't tend to employ maverick talents who fail to sell their weight in image rights and mobile phone advertising. You get the feeling that Alfie's second EMI album (their fourth in total) is a bit now or never. So, can the plucky North West minnows take it all the way to the final? In a nutshell: yes. "Crying At Teatime" is one of the year's unexpected surprises - a truly great UK album.

Lee Gorton's one-note Manc delivery has always been an acquired taste, but, complemented by all manner of sympathetic arrangements, in this setting it's the most natural sound in the world. Perpetually innovative, Gorton's multi-instrumental bandmates Ian Smith, Sam Morris, Sean Kelly and Matt McGeever are always on hand to supply a delicate riff, a string flourish or a harmonic sleight of hand. At their best, it's Nick Drake's "Bryter Later" meets the Left Banke hits the Stone Roses more folksy numbers.

Saying that, opener "Your Own Religion" rides a syrupy thick 70s guitar line that has Gorton tipping his hat existentially. "It's a question of what you believe, but this world don't turn for me," he drawls through gritted teeth. "There's not a soul around who is free, so let's drop the front and we'll turn this world around on our own steam." As all manner of melodic traps are sparked in the background it makes for a quietly stunning statement of individual freedom and likely evidence that notes were being taken on last year's Flaming Lips support slots.

Elsewhere there's baroque folk rock ("Dandelion", "Til' The End"), more big riffs ("All Too Heavy Now") and even a straight-up weepy ballad ("Where Did Our Loving Go?"). The title track had all the potential for a huge, huge hit. For the James Blunts of the world….what more do you want?

They'll probably be dropped by Christmas, but as the lilting ebb of "Kitsune" closes the album in a wave of piano and harmony ripple, you're dying to press play all over again. Striding out from the shadows, Alfie reveal themselves one of the best bands in Britain right now.

    by Adam Webb