Grand Prix's The Way of the Racer is a smart, lo-fi mix of alt-country and alternative-pop.

Andrew McKenzie (guitar, vocals) is joined by Michael Banks (bass), Davey Geard (drums, percussion) and Viv Treweek (trumpet) for this seriously cool - but always low-key - set of 11 McKenzie compositions.

Recorded in Wellington, The Way of the Racer has songs that sound like Nick Cave jamming with Calexico on old Lee Hazelwood tunes. Closing track What Kind of Man Is He? has this exact feel. At other times, the sound is more distinctly country-rock, thanks to the drunken-guitar-swagger of The Way of the Racer or the wafting trumpet of Sea of Cars, which could one day be put to use in a Tarantino film.

The overall cohesion of the album is impressive. It's well played and sounds great - certainly. But the main strength of this band is the conviction with which McKenzie approaches his songwriting and his vocal performances. A local gem.

"I never thought I'd say these words about a 'country' album, but this is a great album. …A kick-ass live band with their high-decibel mariachi-influenced rockabilly. What really sets this album apart is that it's laden with character - the sneering, snarling vocals of singer songwriter Andrew McKenzie ride a steed of menacing riffs powered by a hungry rhythm section… Above all else, though, is that this album is damn good fun to listen to, a rarity in the serious rock'n'roll world these days. - Real Groove - Phil Reed (4/5 Stars)

Tracklist:
1 The Way Of The Racer
2 The Catalunya
3 Racing On The Surface Of The Moon
4 Eternity Behind The Wheel
5 What Kind Of Man Is He?
6 Vigilante
7 Racing Stripes
8 Sea Of Cars
9 Rookie
10 Off Season