Not many bands have a better “indie” sound than Grandaddy. Playing since 1992, this Modesto, CA band retains its soothing sounds and dreamy rhythms for most of its latest EP, Excerpts From The Diary Of Todd Zilla. Listening to this eight track EP, one can notice Grandaddy’s influence on other indie bands from The Thrills to The Shins.
The best song on the EP is “At My Post” with the band’s signature synth sound. Owing to 80s electronica, the song is filled with 80s nostalgia, pop ballad emotion, nonstop reflection and maybe a sprinkle of emoting. This isn’t the case for some of the rest of Excerpts, which is a weird album with a couple of songs that sound completely out of place. “Florida,” at first, sounds like something from The Strokes, but degrades into a cheap pop punk song. And also, why Florida?
Lead singer Jason Lytle has a desire to move away from his hometown of Modesto to perhaps L.A., to Montana to anywhere. Much of the EP deals with moving on, and no song better represents that theme than “F*ck The Valley Fudge.” Lytle’s despondence toward Modesto could be easily heard in the track, although there is pain in his voice. It could have been an energetic “I’m leaving” song, but Lytle’s choice for a ballad amplifies his sadness for having to leave. The theme of moving on could also mean the band’s possible break-up with “Goodbye” - a somber farewell piece told with simple vocals and a guitar. It’s a fitting last track for both the album, and if so too, the band. Grandaddy has made good music for well over a decade, and let’s remember that.
Jason Lytle has an interview with Glide Magazine.
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