The Aliens - Setting Sun

The shadow of the Beta Band looms over this group like a spectre of death. Without Steve Mason's influence, The Aliens have thus far lacked that distinctive difference which made the Beta Band so accessible. But in this single, something seems to have clicked, resulting in a charming blend of northern soul and psychedelia. Despite a dodgy Noel Gallagher style solo after two minutes, this is a fine pop song with a demented twist - the kind that Girls Aloud might write if force-fed enough LSD. [David Coyle]