Repeat the tongue-twisterly title of Alfie's debut album a few times and it actually starts to make sense.

It's also a good indicator of the music within: Just beneath this Manchester, U.K., quintet's whimsical mish-mash of psychedelic guitars, sifting rhythms, cello, electric noise, and French horn, is a constant thread of strong and inventive folk-rock. The band are never heavy-handed in their quest to keep things off-beat, and seem just as at home weaving together gorgeous pastoral soundscapes (Manor House Farm, James's Dream) as they are lacing it with dizzying noise (Umlaut, Talking Song). The disc compiles Alfie's three rare EPs and new tracks Umlaut and 2 Up 2 Down.

The band's reputation as former backing musicians for Badly Drawn Boy -- they also record for his Twisted Nerve label -- is bound to draw some fairly justifiable comparisons to the singer. For a more colourful picture, imagine the laconic vocals of The Charlatans mixed with the sunnier side of Belle & Sebastian. A must for the Anglophile in your life.

Recommended if you like: Gorky's Zygotic Mynci, The Beta Band.

Track Listing