Crying at Teatime

Rising to prominence via incessant gigging a few years ago and then gaining glowing reviews after a slot on the NME Brats tour in 2001, Manchester's Alfie have come on in leaps and bounds since breaking into the nation's consciousness. Crying At Teatime is yet further ample evidence of the band's development, meshing a style of west coast harmonious rock with a peculiarly British sound. Part folk, part rock, part pop even, the album grabs the attention almost immediately with a series of melodic twists and turns. EMI. 2005.