Beneath a huge blank video screen which is now customary to the GRANDADDY set, the Corn Exchange stage is littered with equipment, amps and cables, guitars, drum kit and a mountain of gaffer tape.
Framing the stage are two imitation electricity pylons where a couple of stuffed birds are perched. Things look makeshift, random and suitably understated for a Grandaddy gig and harbour an eerie, mysteriously quality, reminiscent of the music. Except for the birds of course which are a quirky reminder of Grandaddy tomfoolery, a sense of humour which takes the gloomy edge off familiar musical themes of nature and its uneasy relationship with technology in the modern world. Where aching, mournful songs like "Jed The Humanoid" and "Broken Household Appliance National Forest" are happily suffused with skewed electronica, fuzzy logic and dazzling riffs.
The hairy five arrive, humble and effortless and frontman Jason Lytle, a former professional skateboarder mumbles a mellow greeting before opening with the sunny harmonies of "El Caminos In The West." The eccentric world of Grandaddy is animated and illustrated by the track’s nutty video where 11 year old, bearded, axe-grinding girls become their rock ‘n’ roll alter egos.
The music becomes a soundtrack to the films which travel through wintry landscapes and skate parks, mountains and forests. Cute close ups of nut-munching squirrels contrast with the Grandaddy as pranksters, fooling around, California style, dressed in a variety of outfits and situation comedy from the same family as The Flaming Lips and Super Furry Animals.
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The images of the outside world are an uplifting and mesmerising distraction from the music, at times complimentary, but I can’t help feeling that they’re a bit of a cop out, a substitute for a striking lack of stage presence. While the music is enough to please the crowd, the band themselves, though skilful and well rehearsed are almost monotone in terms of self expression. Only the guitarist Jim Fairchild gives himself away, communicating extrovertly with the audience and the rest of the band.
But closing with the gorgeous symphony that is "He’s Simple, He’s Dumb, He’s The Pilot," faith is restored. “Don’t give in 2000 man,” sings Lytle to loyal Grandaddy fans who once they fell in love with "The Sophtware Slump", have remained smitten ever since.
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