The DeSotos' journey down the highway of success

The DeSotos are influenced by bands such as Doobie Brothers. The DeSotos have channelled folk influences on their new album, writes Amy Shanks.
Picture a ribbon of road stretched before you, one hand holding the steering wheel, the other resting on an open window - and country blues band The DeSotos blaring from the stereo.
The Auckland-based four piece, which formed in 2006, released their second offering - Your Highway for Tonight - last month to critical acclaim. The album followed on from the successful debut album, Cross Your Heart, in 2008.
Your Highway for Tonight features 14 original tracks, was 12 months in the making and has deliberately taken a very different path to their first release.
"We didn't just want to make a new Cross Your Heart. We went with a new producer this time, which I think brought a new feel and soul to the album," lead singer and guitarist Paul Gurney says.
"Sound wise it is very different, there is nothing that sounds like anything on the last album. I suppose in some respects Your Highway for Tonight is slightly more introspective, lyrically it's quite dark, but there are certainly some up songs."
At 63 minutes, it is also fairly long, but that's all part of the plan to create a full listening experience.
"We want to produce albums in terms of the old listening experience. You should be able to invite people over for dinner and let the whole CD play through without wanting to skip any of it."
The group make no excuses when it comes to naming the people who influence their sound. On the first album there is a Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty and Neil Young vibe. "A lot of the music I listen to flavours what I write. The second album has more of a folky influence from the likes of Robert Plant," says Gurney. "Roy Orbison is another one, he was great at mixing a really sweet melodic idea with darker lyrics."
The musicians who make up this band Gurney (lead vocals and guitar), Stuart McIntyre (bass and vocals) Ron Stevens (Hammond organ) and Mike Burrows (drums and percussion) have a strong chemistry together, which comes through in their music. The result of their collaboration is a powerful blend of rock-infused country-blues backed by great guitar, solid melodies and well-practised harmonies.
"We grew up listening to the harmonies of the Doobie Brothers, so we put a lot of time and effort into the harmonies for our live shows and festivals."
"I also can't help but be inspired by the rhythm sections of New Orleans, which are pretty infectious," adds Gurney. "We aspire to be a part of the New Orleans Festival and not be disgraced."
The band have struck a chord with audiences in New Zealand's provinces, with followers from Carterton to Gisborne. But most people probably know them for the songs that provide the theme tunes for Marcus Lush's TVNZ series North and South. Hearts in One Place, from their latest album, can be heard on North, with an older song from their first album, titled Greedy Men, on South.
The DeSotos are touring this month to San Francisco Bath House in Wellington, The Lounge Bar in Carterton, The Belgian Bar in Rotorua and Biddy Mulligan's in Hamilton to promote the new album.
Audiences can expect to see some of their old songs as well as a decent chunk off their new album. They may not do more than one tour during winter, but come summer The DeSotos will be here, there and everywhere and a new album may even be on the cards - if they get a chance to write. "We keep busy, we will do some touring through the winter, and summer is always very busy for us with various festivals. Then I guess at some point I will put pen to paper and write some new stuff," says Gurney.
Catch the group performing live on Good Morning , TV One, June 10.