The San Sebastian sees the reuniting of two brothers. After 4 years of unrelated musical projects and living in different cities, Joel and Dan Crannitch finally got back together in mid 2016. They first got together in the Adelaide hills home where they grew up and their old band Leader Cheetah used to write and rehearse. To Dan’s surprise, Joel, who was the drummer of the aforementioned band, had developed into a damn fine guitarist and harmony singer since his late teens when he played drums in Leader Cheetah. They started writing songs. Songs about life, family, old friends and the natural environment they grew up in.
In late 2016 , off the back of a handful of demos, the band were invited to showcase their new sound in Nashville at Americana Fest. The show was deemed a resounding success and a pact was made. The brothers joined forces with legendary indie producer Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Father John Misty, The Shins) to help fully realise the band’s vision and the brothers knuckled down to finish their debut album.
The resulting album, ‘Alive On The Black Sea’ encapsulates all the best parts of the pair’s old band, Leader Cheetah, whilst adding a more visceral and immediate energy to the sound. Earth scorching violins sit alongside barnstorming electric guitars and rollicking drums, creating the perfect sonic backdrop for Dan’s unique vocal presence. However it isn’t all rocking, the album is peppered with cinematic touches of 60’s style Bossa Nova and Morricone influenced instrumental suites. It is an album of light and shade.
Dan and Joel Crannitch’s old band Leader Cheetah were at the vanguard of the Australian indie rock scene in the early 10’s. Still in his teenage years, Joel and his brother Dan toured and performed with such internationally esteemed acts as Interpol, Dinosaur Jr, Blonde Redhead and The Dirty Three. The band received a feature album on Triple J, along with a slew of high rotation singles and a ‘Like A Version’ performance. The band performed at some of the country’s biggest festivals, including Splendour in The Grass, Big Day Out and Laneway Festival. The band received a Top 50 album listing from Rolling Stone, and both of their albums were long listed for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.