One For The Summer
Alfie are certainly a well-known name, finding their break in Manchester in 2000, but unfortunately their songs aren't as well known- perhaps 'Your Own Religion' can change this. Any band on their fourth album must really know what they're doing, and Alfie do show this, but I can't say that 'Your Own Religion' is the most charismatic or powerful single I've ever heard. Psychedelic- yes, experimental- yes, unique- yes, but passionate... well, not really. Squealing country guitars, which could somehow almost be Queen solos and Beach Boys-esque tinny vocals in the chorus round up this quintessentially quirky tune. Light and mellow harmonies flood the tune with buoyant energy and it carries the listener along on a retro, jaunty ride.
'Your Own Religion' is essentially chirpy pop with a fair helping of twinkling guitars and bubbly solos, strings and nasal vocals. It's not one that captures my imagination, but it's definitely not a bad tune.