It's a shame that there are only 1,000 copies of EP being released, because Grand National prove themselves as an exciting new band from a place on earth that transcends normal geographical boundaries - where it's forever summer, and everything is cool. Damned cool.
The beauty of this EP is in the diversity it offers, but all songs boast the same beefy basslines and airtight disco drumloops. The vocals, not unlike those of Steve Mason of The Beta Band, are delivered with a marvellous subtlety - bringing the music itself to the fore, which when it's this good is a policy that can't be faulted.
Highlights include the huge bass accompanied by crackling tape hiss on Peanut Dreams; the fabulous, seemingly experimental overdubbed backing vocals on Playing In The Distance, sounding like something off Sunshine Hit Me by The Bees; the back-to-the-'80s-style synth / drum / bass concoction of Criminal. Minor complaints: the first track, Drink To Moving On, is a little bloated, and the production is slightly below par. That said, Grand National seem suited to the lo-fi sound, and based on this, they should learn to become suited to a rise in demand.
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