Does anyone else feel trapped in a tumblweed of nonsense regarding the upcoming election? I will be the first to admit that it is an important one, but I also feel that I cannot stay informed without hearing the same mindless babble over and over again. So for a much needed mental break from chaos, I present a simple solution. Grand Ole Party. Read carefully, I am not referring to John McCain and crew, but yet the soulful San Diego trio that has brought a new energy to the local scene over the past couple years. Voted Best Alternative Band in 2007 at the San Diego Music Awards, they are now playing beyond the realms of their backyard venue, The Casbah.

Grand Ole Party has a BIG sound. Powerful and jazzy vocals resonate from the petite and quite stunning drummer, Kristin Gundred, as she bangs out clever drum beats pulling sound from the symbols with magnetic attraction. Admiring her control one cannot fathom how she has only been playing for a couple of years. Meanwhile, guitarist John Paul Labno and bassist Michael Krechnyak work in grand synchronization to produce head-bobbing power-jazz ballads.

The band formed as the three attended the liberal University of Santa Cruz. Colliding music projects put the three in a position to make some music together and that’s just what they did. Jamming out restlessly in an apartment in San Francisco after college for a bit eventually led to the bands flee to San Diego. Down south, the band instantly whewed the music scene, selling out their first live show at the Casbah opening for local favorites UV Tigers.

Then, the internet paid off. Blake Sennett of Riley Kilo found Grand Ole Party and dropped them a favorable blurp on their myspace page. Soon thereafter, he was amongst an enthused audience at the Casbah to see them live. They ripped. He liked it. The rest is history - Sennett hooked them up with his management company, 3D, who also manages this little band called Coldplay. Blake produced their album Humanimals (2008) on 3D’s DH Records. Following recording, they followed suit of other up-and-comings, rocked SXSW in Austin, played gigs, got fans.

Joining up with The Fiery Furnaces, the band is back on the road. Better yet, they are in California this week. Even better, I am going to see them on Sunday. I will be the one uncontrollably snapping and dancing around enjoying a Pabst on side stage. As Decision 2008 approaches, the choice is simple, Grand Ole Party.

by Kelsey Brooks

Grand Ole Party - Look Out Young Son

Grand Ole Party - Savior

Grand Ole Party - Gypsy March