The Gramotones I was fortunate enough to see this band as they supported Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock on his UK tour. There are several young bands in the UK right now, hotly-tipped for success, such as The Strypes. The Gramotones should without doubt be one of the bands being labeled with a similar hype. With a unique sound in today's music scene, and a 60s fashionista style to their look to boot. Self-proclaimed admirers of the likes of Squeeze and Elvis Costello, the Gramotones of Manchester take heed of their influences but fight off "revival" labels to produce a superb and original sound. These northern boys know their roots, with the lasting impression of fellow Manchester band The Hollies acting as a inspiration. I managed to pick up the excellent single 'A Soldier's Kiss', with added B-Side 'Victorian Town, two excellent tracks. However I feel their best work, of which I saw live, lies in the two tracks. 'M62', sang by Jake Fletcher, is a poetic story-telling tune, expressing the Gramotones' pure ability in lyricism and song-writing, regardless of their youthful age. This punchy track, almost comparable to the modern storytellers within rock and roll, such as that of Arctic Monkeys, with smart lyrics but a truly different guitar sound. The second track, 'Little River', a softer and more melodic song, sang by fellow lead singer Sid Cooper. A rich 60s northern rock vibe, a sound that Cooper's voice truly suits. If it's a kickback sound they're looking for, they've found it with these tracks.
The future looks promising for The Gramotones, touring with Steve Cradock, in which Jake Fletcher performed within Cradock's lineup with the OCS bassist. Recently, the Gramotones have been touring with Findlay and Tim Burgess. Furthermore, the Modfather Paul Weller stated Gramotones' track 'Daltry Street' as one of his favourite tracks of the year in an article in music magazine 'Mojo'. If there's anyone's word they should ever listen to, it would be that of Weller's.
