Barfly

Long-View's ascent - from the back streets of Manchester to Top 30 in the UK singles chart and on to recording in the US with Pearl Jam producer Parashar - might have looked swift and effortless from the outside. But this shorthand version doesn't take into account their years of honing musicianship and crystallising an unshakeable belief in songs which reflect real human experience.

The initial low-level release of 'Further' and the band's second EP 'When You Sleep' revealed a band who had clearly fought to find their identity. Even in the first releases there was a breathtaking ability to make uplifting spiritual rock without being pompous. In Rob's voice there was humility and compassion. The guitars glowed in stained glass wonderment without trying to blind you. Here was the first band ever to make sonic cathedrals sound vulnerable. Small wonder that after a year of UK support tours they had a dedicated fan base who knew they'd found something special.