John Grant

Brighton Dome | 27 June

John Grant – the bearded, giant-like singer/songwriter from Colorado – may have unexpectedly found himself nominated for Best International Male Solo Artist at the Brits earlier this year; but shortlisted alongside Eminem, Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars and Drake, it’s difficult to imagine a figure further removed from such glittery pop characters. His image, his music, his winding, intriguing backstory: it all makes Grant a truly singular figure. 

Tonight, in the grand confines of The Brighton Dome, he is greeted by a warm and receptive audience who burst into applause as soon as he and his backing band slowly emerge from side of stage. As masters of a mature sound underpinned by a dark undercurrent and acerbic lyrical wit, the set they went on to perform spanned the two albums Grant has released under his own name since launching his solo career in 2010, as well as plucking Drug from the vaults of his vastly underrated former band, The Czars.

Alternating between playing the role of band leader and relaxing into being a cog in his band’s whirring motor, when Grant shifts away from centre stage and takes a seat at the edge behind a keyboard it’s a contrast in demeanour that is equally present in the music on show. Pale Green Ghosts, where electronic pulses weave behind violently flickering strobes, are the polar opposite of GMF, with its bellowing vocals, or the haunting ballad Glacier. The string which threads them together is an unapologetic, uncompromising honesty and the kind of ‘take me or leave me’ attitude Grant has garnered through his rich, edifying life path. This is a rare talent.

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johngrantmusic.com/
Words: Nathan Westley