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 - the title track is a fine example, or the opening tune and new single, Your Own Religion - and which rarely let go.

Songs as intelligent and downright beautiful as Applecart rarely get recorded these days, and making smart songs as accessible as this is something more acts should try and accomplish. Full marks to Alfie for keeping the quality threshold as high as they do.

Catch them on their mini-tour of the UK in the coming days. You'll be glad you did.

Rating:
Released: 15th August 2005
Label: Parlophone