"Thirst For Romance is a near-perfect album. This is literate, sincere, amped-up, thoroughly-now urban folk music. Tremendous." The Word

"A hugely impressive first step." Q, 4 out of 5

"A genuine treasure. Simon Aldred's debut sparkles with with a quiet yearning realised precisely and powerfully from the desperation of recent single 'People Help The People' through to the hopeful narrativem related in the epic 'Mary On The Mend'. This album has more than enough gusto and beauty to brighten your summer." The Fly

"Simon Aldred brings a twinkle of Americana to the factory floors of rainy day northern England. His songs live between dreams and details, romance and realism mixing in a strong sweet brew that's part Richard Hawley, part Sparklehorse. Winning." The Independent, 4 out of 5

"At his considerable best - eg, the genius title track - he has that same wonderful combination of warmth, grit and sublime melodiousness you find in Mark Lanegan. There's more than enough in this very fine debut to send a shiver down your spine." The Sunday Telegraph, 4 out of 5

"Magical. Could this be the debut rock album of the year?" The Times, 5 out of 5