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There's a line in the dusty plains that separates good country rock from its pale imitators. On one side there's the slick, pallid and insipid country that pollutes the commercial radio airwaves; on the other there's the insightful, hook laden musing typified by The Band, the Byrds and Exile-era Rolling Stones. A journey, a narrative and a bunch of damn good songs. To that list you can add Melbourne country rock band Downhills Home. Downhills Home's journey began in 2005 when Sean McMahon and Michael Hubbard began performing as an acoustic duo. Gradually the duo's horizons expanded and the duo morphed into a band. By summer 2006 McMahon and Hubbard had been joined by Sean's brother Brendan (keyboard and piano), Josh Duiker (drums), Tim McCormack (bass). With the aid of some choice support slots, including Even, Jen Cloher, Mia Dyson and Mick Thomas, Downhills Home gradually refined its sound and style. The band's debut album, Minor Birds, is the next stage in the band's travels.