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Album Review: John Grant - Grey Tickles, Black Pressure

Guido Farnell
StarStarStarHalf Star

"The moody and pugnacious Grant of yore sounds like he's having fun on this record."

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John Grant's oddly titled third album coming wrapped in an even odder cover opens the door to the disco-inflected folktronica that appears to becoming his signature sound.

The moody and pugnacious Grant of yore sounds like he's having fun on this record embracing '80s electro-funk and trash. This album isn't the usual emotional rollercoaster ride to hell and back. Aided and abetted by Tracey Thorn and the Banshees' Budgie, Grant offers more bounce than usual, however, this album shines when Grant isn't trying to be Bobby O and that winsome baritone accompanied by sweeping arrangements hits home with truly heartfelt introspection.