The Crimea are proof, as if it were needed, that John Peel is still one of the most relevant figures in modern rock. The late DJ took a shine to their early singles and now they find themselves signed to a major label and bolstered by a more expensive production sound. Yet that doesn't mean any of the old charm is lost. Davey McManus is a compelling frontman; his throaty rasp giving voice to his darkly comic tales of lives gone wrong. However, he also knows how to write pop melodies and 'Tragedy Rocks' is full of them such as 'Lottery Winners On Acid' and 'Girl Just Died'. 'Gazillions Of Miniature Violins' contains self-deprecating wit ("The Texas chainsaw masscare don't compare to my disaster") but balanced by a glorious uplifting melody. Only on the final 'Someone's Crying' does McManus over-reach himself as he appeals to - and then disputes - the power of God. However, such ambition is likely to make McManus the kind of tragicomic hero for the underdogs of this world and a certain Mr. Peel must be looking down on this situation with some satisfaction.