Pembrokeshire-based The Afternoons (pictured) begin a short tour on Friday at the Normandie in Tenby, to promote their new album Rocket Summer.

The album, released on June 6th, has already attracted considerable praise, being described by NME as "creamy, dreamy pop, with hooks-a-plenty", and by BBC Radio Wales's DJ Adam Walton as "one of the best pop records I've ever heard."

After hearing one of the tracks on the radio, Manic Street Preachers' bassist Nicky Wire, requested a copy from producer Greg Haver, who produced both Rocket Summer and the Manics' Lifeblood album.

"Apparently he loves it," says Peter Morgan, the Afternoons' drummer who grew up in Manorbier. "Which is pretty cool as he's supposed to be very fussy."

He's joined in the line-up by Greenhill School music teachers Paul Rapi (keyboards) and Sarah Rapi (bass), and Richard Griffiths on guitar and vocals.

Radio 2's Mark Radcliffe has already played the title track, which is to be released as a single on July 4th. The band came to his attention last summer, when he championed their collaboration with Seattle-based singer, Sub Pop's Rosie Thomas, on the single Fading Fast.