Alfie Neale’s ‘Vices’ isn’t entirely what you think. The lofi guitars and jazzy backbeats remind us of Easy Life or recent finds Apollo Bebop, and if the whole track followed suit we’d be happy campers, but Neale takes us to a place of pure elation. With next to no notice, this smooth, sombre affair bursts into driving rock rhythms as Neale’s voice soars overhead. His gravelled tones are expressive and full of hope for the future. Yet, his search for security is palpable, “You could stay around, / So I could reach the higher ground, / Oh I need someone to stay around.” We can easily apply ‘Vices’ to our own temptations and desires, although for Alfie Neale it’s all about moving to Brighton with five best friends and how that support network is so important when you need lifting up. - Hannah Thacker