It's difficult not to instantly dismiss Gramercy Arms as some kind of vanity project. A New York super-group containing a diverse collection of artists that ranges from the likes of Joan As Police Woman, Guided By Voices and Luna right through to Nada Surf is not perhaps the natural breeding ground for such freewheeling AM radio rock. Coupled with guest appearances from acerbic comedian Sarah Silverman, Chris Brokaw and Lloyd Cole and early listens to 'Gramercy Arms' become shrouded in self-doubt as you question the legitimacy of the whole affair.

Yet as the listens slowly stack up the jigsaw pieces gradually begin to slot into place. For this is the sound of an East Coast band in a wintry New York City dreaming of the ease and sun-scorched delights of West Coast living. True the album artwork (street kids, neglected warehouses - you get the drill) is another curve ball but once you can leave all this baggage far behind you're left with an album of laid-back Americana and delicious power pop.

The touchstones here are plentiful. There are delightful snatches of The Byrds, Josh Rouse, The Pernice Brothers and Teenage Fanclub across this entire record, but it's the influence of fellow New Yorkers Fountains Of Wayne that echoes the loudest; who else in contemporary music utilises handclaps, harmonies and 'ba-ba-bas' in such unashamed fashion? With the song titles alone as brazen and honest as 'Looking At The Sun', 'Shining Bright' and 'Wander On' the suggestive power of Gramercy Arm's music is thoroughly realised. This is an album to transfer you to another, better place. No more, no less.

There's no agenda at work here. Your initial fears quickly evaporate in a tide of classic mid-70's American song-craft, gorgeous melancholy and an evocative sense of the West Coast's great musical triumphs.

'Gramercy Arms' is available now through Reveal Records

Josh Timber
www.gramercyarms.co.uk