Story One

Story One's singer and violinist Tom Evans has a voice that embeds itself in your nervous system whether you want it to or not. Equal parts early 70s Rod Stewart and Marge Simpson, its roughened tones surround him with a sense of crushed innocence. When he's not singing his sawing violin fills the gaps with yet more lived in and lived on strokes of melancholy.

Not that there's anything wimpy about it. The rest of the band see to that with their matching shaved number two haircuts and perma-frown stillness, looking a little like regulars in a pub that's not fond of strangers.

A cover of Grandaddy's 'A.M.180' really shows Story One's strength. The song is turned inside out – given a solid centre and smudged around the edges. The quirky resignation of the original is substituted for their brand of edgy desperation.

At the best moments it's heartfelt midlands folk-rock, the rest of the time there's enough to enjoy in the singing.