What is that smell? That is fresh air. Or maybe it is fresh lager. Same difference.

It seems like I always get to review the overly serious and brooding heavy metal acts. Not that I mind most times — I am a metal head at heart. But I was elated when I popped in Pottsville’s own Gleason’s Drift’s “Nickel Rocket” and heard some of the other things I like in life — twangy guitars, not-so-serious or self-important lyrics, and a general Rolling Stones loose and bluesy country rock vibe. Certainly heard a little Meat Puppets in the track “Vol/Cano.” I still have that song stuck in my head. Maybe a little Wilco from their “A.M.” days for good measure.

The whole album has a live and loose, tossed-off-in-an-afternoon feel to it. It probably wasn’t but they succeed in giving the listener the feeling of being in the room with them as they knock out the tunes. Speaking of that, the production is crystal clear.

Singer/guitarist Bill Whalen, who is also the main songwriter, has a warm every-man voice. He isn’t going to win any prizes for vocal range, but it fits well with what the band are doing.

Their featured track is “Grainy Trinkets,” and it is a simple and catchy song that kicks off the album. It’s good but there are more interesting things going on here like the aforementioned “Vol/Cano, “ “Bitter Year,” Scrap Metal Blues,” “Thank You Ronnie” and “Don’t Know What It Is,” with its subtle and effecting pedal steel guitar. The album ends with the ridiculous “Chicken Fight,” an ode to the old recess or swimming pool staple from yesteryear. That song pretty much sums up how seriously Gleason’s Drift take themselves.

Down to Earth and infinitely likable, Gleason’s Drift are worth your time. Crack a cold one open and enjoy. Toss me one, too.