Grand National - Kicking the National Habit

Concerning Kicking the National Habit, it seems as though Grand National would be a band accumulating 5-6 members, but that assumption is a bit off—Rupert Lyddon and Lawrence Rudd comprise the main workhouse of the band. Additional musicians were brought into spice up the record with brass expertise or just to lend a hand amongst all the shuffling that probably went on in the studio, but the just-under-30 Brits at the steering wheel are the most responsible parties. This record—the band’s only LP—has been spinning over in the UK since 2004, but now sees a proper U.S. release thanks to the Recall Group label. Comparisons have already been made hailing the group as followers of Blur, The Happy Mondays and New Order—these charges are precise and fairly obvious, but you wouldn’t mistake Grand National for one of these influences, as the duo puts its own spin on things. “Drink to Moving On” could be a chipper Paul Banks vocalizing for a Graham Coxon-penned tune, with its funky, head-nod inducing rhythms and simple basslines. “Playing in the Distance” regales with vibrant, jazzy trumpet interjections and dance-oriented beats, while “Boner” could be a The Police twisted into a Factory Records party. “Cherry Tree” clocks in about mid-record, but is undoubtedly the most brightly shining moment on Kicking the National Habit--definitely one for the 24 hour party girls and boys. No torpid moments make their presence known on Kicking the National Habit; the original album (the first ten songs) are soulful and consistently engaging. The bonus tracks and remixes never languish, and that shouldn’t matter anyway—they’re freebies. Good freebies, in this case. [www.grand-national.net]