Lorna Irvine reviews an album that's 'all too safe, bland and comfortable'.
He's a contrarian, John Grant...quite cheerful in person, yet a little bleak on record.
His new album, then, although alluding to a mid-life crisis, should be more fun. After all, he walks a darkly humorous tightrope like Morrissey.
It's tongue-in-cheek often, with amusing, arch lyrics. 'Disappointing' the Associates-lite call and response duet with Tracey Thorn is like 'My Favourite Things' in negative--where ocelot babies, good grammar and ballet dancers pale in comparison to his true love.
The problem is, in spite of his rich croon and ambitious production, as in 80s-inspired 'Down Here' and the cinematic strings of 'Global Warming', it's just all too safe, bland and comfortable.
If you're going to melt down in middle age, do it in style--not in an MOR imaginary film soundtrack. Experiment! Rip it up a bit! Don't be grey...
Grey Tickles, Black Pressure is out now on Bella Union. A tour accompanies the album.
John Grant - Disappointing feat. Tracey Thorn (Of…: http://youtu.be/U2Ig4sMURdc
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