Late Of The Pier win alternative Mercury

Dance-punk four-piece Late Of The Pier have won Drowned In Sound's Neptune Music Prize.

The award, which is organised as an alternative to the Barclaycard Mercury Prize, was voted for by readers of the website and a judging panel.

Late Of The Pier's Fantasy Black Channel album was applauded by the judges for showing "free spiritedness" and being an "invigorating listen".

"The album ultimately plays like a collection of could-be greatest hits rather than a single, smooth-flowing record," said one reviewer.

Rolo Tomassi and Grammatics were the runners-up in the poll.

South London rapper Speech Debelle was the surprise winner of the Mercury last night for her Speech Therapy LP.