It's a rare thing that a band from South London/Brighton way comes up with a record that sounds as if the members have been brainwashed from birth on the works of The Flying Burrito Brothers, The Beach Boys and other US bands whose love of harmony-driven songs have provided tales of mythical proportions. Yet here is Grand Drive, playing to a packed small room in a pub on the edge of town, a venue located right beside the local primary school and McDonalds. There's a song in there somewhere.
The Australian brothers Danny and Julian Wilson might just hold the key to the band's approach, taking the sunshine of their home and transplanting it in the heart of a metropolis populated by their experience of greasy-spoon eateries and motorways. Whatever the reasons, Grand Drive manage to invoke the spirit of latter-day alt.country and roots outfits (Wilco, Son Volt, The Jayhawks, Grandaddy) while simultaneously sounding fresh and alive.
Songs from their debut, Road Music, and their most recent album, True Love And High Adventure are aired, recalling sun-kissed days, balmy nights and a territory so gritty you can chew it and spit it out. Despite having the stage presence of a frightened garage band, the music is confident and vigorous, languid and mellow.
