‘Absentee’ is the third solo album from Southend-on-Sea-based singer-songwriter Alfie Firmin and his first for Bobo Integral.
‘Absentee’ is Alfie’s most accomplished album to date. From the McCartney-esque piano balladry of ‘Lost on Me’ to the horn-laden folkrock of ‘Can’t Stop Thinking About You’ alongside the Laurel Canyon country-shuffle of ‘December Third’ it is an album that is well-versed in the traditions of classic singer-songwriter pop filtered through the lens of Alfie’s distinctive croon. To file under: Josh Rouse, Ron Sexsmith, Andy Shauf, Harry Nilsson, early 70’s Beach Boys (Surf’s Up/Holland), Beatles solo albums.