The self-titled debut from West Coast Grand offers a diverse, thoroughly pleasing and immediately engaging set of alt. country tracks. The Los Angeles quintet`s compositions are collaborative; the outcome is organic and rich and topped off with a terrific harmony mix from primary vocalists and guitarists Jimmy Harrison and Bobby Gonzales. The scope of the band`s sound begins with the heartland roots-rock of "Back To School", an exhilarating and twangy toe-tapper. Along the way through this 11 track set you`ll find some rockin` honky-tonk ("City Lights"), sweeping California country ("Last Train Home"), chooglin` acoustic harmony-filled folk ("All For Nothing") and some gorgeous ballads, like the waltzing acoustic tune "So Far Away" and album closer "West Coast Grand". The Lennon-esque piano pulse of their namesake number exposes some of the classic pop elements that grace these terrific songs. Other notable cuts include "Second Chance", which is reminiscent of the soulful, groove heavy West Coast country-rock with kick-ass harmonies The Mother Hips are known for. Proving nothing is to tough, they smoothly move into some classic Texas roadhouse with the hitworthy "You Think Were Still In Love (But We`re Still In Texas)". It`s all good. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (Grand Coast Records)
