Dan Rumour & the Drift

Throughout the 80s and 90s, The Cruel Sea established itself as one of Australia's greatest ever bands. Creating a sound that was truly unique, they enjoyed significant chart success, a worldwide following and multiple Aria awards.

Few people realize that The Cruel Sea had its origins as an instrumental band founded by guitarist Dan Rumour and drummer Jim Elliott.

As well as being the founder, Dan went on to become the major writing force of The Cruel Sea and was responsible for many of its hits.

The powerful surf-influenced instrumental sound created by Dan was a feel that the group maintained throughout its stellar ride.

His passion to continue that sound has been the inspiration for Jim Elliot and Dan to reunite and to form a new band.

Dan found two other like-minded musical souls in Michael Turner and Nick Larkins, who were the nucleus of another Aria award-winning act, Wild Pumpkins At Midnight.

Together they make up Dan Rumour & The Drift - a quartet of versatile and experienced musicians whose feel is very much the sound of the early Cruel Sea.

Dan Rumour & The Drift first surfaced on last year's highly acclaimed CD/DVD 'Delightful Rain: A celebration of Australian surf music'. For the project, the band recorded a handful of songs joining such luminaries as The Atlantics , Richard Clapton, Tamam Shud, Celibate Rifles, The Angry Tradesmen, Pigram Brothers and GANGgajang.

Released in mid October on the Bombora label, Dan Rumour & The Drift's self-titled first studio album consists of 14 tightly crafted tracks including new versions of a couple of the classic 'Sea' tracks. The album was recorded in and around Byron Bay. It certainly captures a warm, tropical, surf feel and is sure to be played all summer long. And beyond.