Surprisingly, six-piece Grantura emanate from London. I say 'surprisingly', because they don't sound like they come from these shores. A better geographical 'fix' would be across the Altantic somewhere between the West Coast (Beach Boys, Crosby Stills and Nash territory), New York (Simon and Garfunkel turf) and most predominantly Nashville (think Union Station).

The album opens with the first two singles Waves and In Dreams and they do kick the album off on a high. Waves has those S&G harmonies over what starts out as a fairly standard folk rock ditty, but then the subtleties of some of the playing kicks in - mandolin, banjo, and lap steel. It's an exquisite combination. And In Dreams pulls off the same trick with a CSN West Coast feel and some wonderful playing. And the other 'highlight' of the set is another CSN like number Down From The Mountains that shows Grantura can 'rock out' when they choose.

The band bear more than a passing resemblance to Nickel Creek, but with a unique 'twist' of an added veneer of pop/rock vocal harmonies. It makes for a fresh and intoxicating concoction and the band has already found support from the likes of Radio 2's stalwarts Janice Long and Mark Radcliffe, while independent and broadsheet publications have unanimously acknowledged the band's potential.

In a Britain ravaged by post indie myspace rock, it's refreshing to hear something so original and consummately played. But it may be a cultural step too far for the youth of today. No doubt the band would go down a storm at festivals, but for success, you suspect it's a case of 'go West young men.

***

Review by Pete Whalley