THE dictionary definition of quirky – peculiarity of behaviour – sums up Morton Valence very adequately.

From the track titles alone, try the opening The Death of a Cockney Amorist and These Were The Things I Was Thinking Of And Then You Fell Out Of the Sky for starters, it is clear conventional does not apply to the London-based outfit.

Robert Hacker Jessett and Anne Gilpin, the two main members, describe the band as an “urban country” outfit and the narrative story feel which dominates that genre definitely applies. But Me & Home James, which follows their 2009 debut Bob And Veronica Ride Again, is much more alternative.

A concept album, telling the story of a journey home in a cab across the capital, it is quiet and brooding in places and Jessett and Gilpin’s understated vocals provide a perfect compliment.