Alfie - 'Do You Imagine Things?' (Parlophone)
3/5
By: Matt Tomiak
It's most correct that the cover of 'Do You Imagine Things?', Alfie's second album (not counting the 2001 introductory compilation, 'If You Happy With...') bears such a knowing resemblance to that of The Beatles' 'Revolver'. Just as that album marked a definite shift by the Fab Four into psychedelic pastures new, so 'DYIT?' highlights Alfie's progression from pleasant if slightly fey indie merchants into something altogether more substantial.
Up until now, the Mancunian quintet have been renowned for playing gigs sat down on stools, gentle folk melodies and singer Lee Gorton's uncanny resemblance to Ian Brown serenading the PA. But there's a new-found oomph to be found across this LP. Be it on the elegant, string-laden 'Winding Roads', the brassy, Charlatans-esque 'No Need', the booming 'The Indoor League' and the jaunty 'Chop Chop', Alfie have matured with finesse.
Yet, of course, even though the woozy, near-whispered ballads are still here (the protracted, Badly Drawn Boy-themed 'Isobel'), but on this LP Alfie have really found a bold new voice.
Artists in this article: Alfie
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