by Jeff Davidson

Grace Potter and the Nocturnals have built a rabid following over the last few years by 1) mastering their instruments, 2) writing great songs and 3) delivering blistering live performances. No flukes, karaoke contests or gimmicks here - this band has earned their place in the spotlight through hard work and sheer talent. Now, with the release of their third record, This Is Somewhere, the band looks to take things up a notch and expand upon their already impressive body of work.

It is often difficult for early fans of a rising band to accept the growing awareness of what up to now was in some ways their little secret. But, on This is Somewhere, Grace and crew (Scott Tournet on guitar, Bryan Dondero on bass and Matthew Burr on drums) manage to strike the balance of holding on to those who have been with them for a few years while simultaneously opening their arms to new fans to join the party. Produced by Mike Daly (Whiskeytown), the record hints at the fire the Nocturnals deliver on stage while also highlighting the band's efforts to stretch themselves from a songwriting perspective.

"Ah Mary" starts off the record showcasing Potter's sensual coo, but quickly explodes into an energetic rocker that lets people know why this band has built such a vaunted reputation for killer live shows. "Stop the Bus" isn't new to fans who've been coming out to see the band in the past year or so and is another one of the great tracks on the record that serves as a nod to those who have been along for the ride for awhile.

Having conquered the live arena, "Apologies" is one of the songs where the Nocturnals look to build their repuations as studio musicians. The ballad is a carefully crafted song that may cause some pause among early adopters, but is radio gold and will no doubt bring new ears to the sweet sounds of Ms. Potter and friends. "Ain't No Time" and "Mr. Columbus" are also evidence that the Nocturnals are much more than just an amazing jam band (not that there's anything wrong with that!) and are further indications that they are growing musically in a direction that should be palatable to their core audience while writing songs within a more traditional structure.

"You May See Me", "Lose Some Time" and the raucous "Here's to the Meantime" explore various facets of life, love and relationships. But, given this is Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, do so with a soulful grit instead of the typical gloss that tempts and traps many artists who write about these well covered topics. "Mastermind" and "Falling or Flying" are my least favorite tracks on the disc. However, the disc is such a strong and complete record that this is like saying the whip cream is the least favorite part of my sundae as I devour the whole thing. Not that I'm saying these songs are fluff, it's just that on a record full of "9s" and "10s" a tune or two in the "7" or "8" range may get lost in the crowd.

"Big White Gate" closes out the disc revealing Potter's gospel roots that were so apparent on Nothing But the Water and like the title track of that record, will no doubt become a concert favorite. Like most greats, Potter will remind you of top singers from the past while staking her own claim as a unique voice both worthy of - and difficult to do justice by - those inevitable comparisons. While Grace is impressively proficient at guitar and works her Hammond B3 as good as anyone, her voice is the instrument that lifts this song, and much of the record, to special heights. However, a careful listen informs even an undiscerning ear that this is a team effort.

This Is Somewhere accomplishes what the band has set out to do by forging their individual gifts into a collective force that poises them to be one of the breakout acts of 2007. Grace Potter and the Nocturnals make somewhere a great place to be. Get here as fast as you can.

Labels: Grace Potter and The Nocturnals