Für Fans von: Indie & Alternative, Folk & Blues, und Pop.
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John Grant formed The Czars in 1994 in Denver with Chris Pearson. They released six albums together and despite never really achieving any form of commercial success they gained a cult following for their unique brand of dream pop. Critics also praised John Grant's innovative songwriting style and intelligent lyricism that often changed, developed and evolved from album to album.
The Czars eventually disbanded in 2006 and after this Grant retired short term from the music industry. He took time away to write and decide where he would go next with his artistry, he returned in 2010 with his first solo album 'Queen Of Denmark'. He collaborated with folk band Midlake whilst recording the album in his Texan recording studio and upon release it was hailed as a critical masterpiece. John's lyrics were all incredibly personal with many of the songs describing his battles with alcohol and drug addictions during his life as well as his sexuality and HIV status.
It was named Mojo's album of the year and won praise from esteemed publications including The Guardian, The Independent and The Sunday Times, the latter stating in their review that "One listen to 'Where Dreams Go to Die', for example, and you’ll realise that while Grant can’t attain perfection in his actual life, he gets pretty close in his art." The following album came in 2013 and was titled 'Pale Green Ghosts', it featured backing vocals from Sinead O'Connor on two tracks and was another critical success. It was named Rough Trade's album of 2013 and earned the songwriter a nomination for Best International Solo Artist at the 2014 Brit Awards.
John Grant’s songs are things of great beauty and I can tell you now that no words I write will do justice to how they sound in concert. If I could attach a picture of my tear-stained face in lieu of a review, that’s just what I’d do. Once upon a time, the burley and bearded Grant was the singer in a band called The Czars; they made fairly serviceable rock music before hitting hard times, leading to the band calling it quits, Grant dealing with drug addiction and trying to come to terms with his sexuality proving too much alongside trying to make a living in a band. He took some time out, and returned with a deeply personal record called Queen of Denmark, recorded with the band Midlake. It felt like a lost classic, an album from a 1970s singer-songwriter, a mix of Elton John, Harry Nilsson and the Carpenters, and was truly moving. Following it up with the more electronic and brooding Pale Green Ghosts was a brave move but it’s one that makes his live show one of the most eclectic, emotional and involving experiences you’ll ever have. Grant plays tracks from Queen of Denmark with a full band, the cosmic sweep of ‘Marz’ grander than on record but it’s when he gets behind the piano and sings unaccompanied that the magic happens. ‘TC and the Honeybear’ becomes a fragile thing of beauty, and when he finally unveils ‘Glacier’ (from Pale Green Ghosts) I completely fall to pieces. Singing “this pain…it is a glacier running through me”, the tears start to fall at the sight of this wonderful and brave man sharing his innermost feelings with us. Honestly, there are no words which can capture the raw emotions of a John Grant show. Just prepare to be a blubbering mess and in need of a hug by the end of it.