★★★★
Following scene-stealing turns at Glastonbury and Field Day festivals, this triumphant Bexhill return (feeling more homecoming than tour stop-off) confirmed sardonic U.S pop hero John Grant’s status as something of an adoptive national treasure.
A listless opening set from Yorkshire via Brighton singer-songwriter Holly Macve did little to warm up a distracted audience. Despite affecting vocals and a welcome Leonard Cohen cover, a forgettable country and folk set never raised more than the odd approving murmur.
From the off, the headliner could hardly have been more different, an easy crowd basking in an endless procession of intelligent alt. pop favourites. Broadly divisible into potty-mouthed Elton John balladry, Scissor Sisters camp neo-disco and Depeche Mode synth-pop stompers, Grant’s band proved adept at each.
In the slow-burn-big-crescendo camp was the likes of the huge Glacier and hilariously self-deprecating Grey Tickles and Black Pressure, whilst the narcissist’s anthem G.M.F was the night’s big singalong.
Getting the crowd shaking alongside his own camp jiggling/dad-dancing bear style, Grant’s funky energy on Voodoo Doll and booming vocals on Disappointing shook the hall. Ultimately, though, the big glory went to the scathing diatribe of Queen of Denmark, hammering home the point in his own uniquely vibrant style.
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