North of Grand
Gig Seeker Pro

North of Grand

Band Rock Punk

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"Setbacks reviews"

Michael Swanger / Cityview: With the help of Iowa City producer John Svec, one of the best Des Moines bands and leading local purveyors of pop-punk, North of Grand, returns with its fourth album since its inception five years ago, Setbacks Are Scheduled for Tomorrow, arguably their most radio-ready effort to date. Guitarist/singer Sean Wilson, bassist Dan Ketelsen and drummer Pat Curtis put their lanky sound and satirical wit in the pocket on the swift opening number "Des Moines River Conference" and stay there for the album’s remaining seven strong, original songs. Though sometimes the band’s pop overwhelms its punk, the tradeoff is immaterial considering the new ground NOG breaks with the slinky "Gray," the Jane’s Addiction-like "Waiting" and the ambient finale "Rain Fade."

Jeff Morlan / Des Moines Register - Des Moines powerpop trio North of Grand has released it’s fouth compilation, Setbacks Are Scheduled For Tomorrow. The eight-track disc is full of quality upbeat, melodic, punk-infused, pop rock. Without a bad song on the album, Setbacks is a nice disc for rockin’ out in the car after a slow day at work.
- Cityview / Des Moines Register


"Cut You Down review"

(CITYVIEW - JULY 19, 2006) -- Des Moines punk-rock trio North of Grand set the bar pretty high with 2005's "Attention to Revenge," but it appears as though they've raised it again with their third album, "Cut You Down." The seven-song EP is strong from top to bottom thanks to its melodies, angular rhythms and witty lyrics, though tracks like "900," "Oh My God" and "Someday Ordinary" stand out. There's even another well-chosen cover of the Groovie Ghoulies ("Carly Simon") here for good measure. What really stands out, though, is the seemingly telepathic interplay between singer-guitarist Sean Wilson, drummer Pat Curtis and bassist Dan Ketelsen - an impressive feat considering North of Grand has only been together for three years. Co-producer Nick Day wraps the whole thing up to create an explosive package of power-pop and punk. -Michael Swanger - Cityview


Discography

Setbacks Are Scheduled For Tomorrow (2008), Cut You Down (2006), Attention to Revenge (2005), Wrong Way Home (2004)

Photos

Bio

In 2009, Iowa based power trio North of Grand is celebrating their sixth year as a band. The power-trio's fourth album, Setbacks Are Scheduled For Tomorrow, was released in April of 2008. The eight songs, which clock in at just over 23 minutes, were recorded and mixed with John Svec at Minstrel Studios in Iowa City and mastered by Doug Van Sloun at Studio B in Omaha.

From front to back, Setbacks displays North of Grand's knack for writing catchy, guitar-driven rock n roll, littered with memorable hooks and powerful lyrics. The album is certain to further boost the band's growing popularity across the Midwestern U.S. In both 2009 and 2008, listeners to KCCQ Radio, 105.1 FM in Ames, chose North of Grand as the "Best Local Band." Hundreds of people voted for North of Grand ahead of major label acts like Slipknot and The Envy Corps.

North of Grand formed in March 2003. The original and current line-up is Sean Wilson (vocals, guitar), Dan Ketelsen (bass, backing vocals) and Pat Curtis (drums, backing vocals). Since their first gig in April of 2003, North of Grand has played more than 200 shows in nearly 20 states.

The name "North of Grand" comes from the area in Des Moines (just north of Grand Avenue) where the band chooses to drink and live.