Modesto, California's Grandaddy called it quits in 2006 after the release of Just Like the Family Cat. The band reunited in 2012 for limited live engagements, and almost 5 years later, here is Last Place, the band's 5th full-length. Jason Lytle and gang caused quite a stir in the indie/alt rock scene when the group broke through with 1997's Under the Western Freeway, as the "atmospheric electronics meet warped Americana" sound stroke the right chords. With a career that spans longer than 25 years under its belt, Grandaddy offer a fresh take on its core style, filling up Last Place with easily accessible ballads and mid-tempo jams. Lytle's sad but soothing vocals play nice w/ the mood set by ethereal synth work and traditional rock instrumentation, and songs like "Way We Won't," "Brush with the Wild," "Evermore," and "The Boat is in the Barn," proves that even after a 11-year hiatus, Grandaddy can put out good, relevant music.

• limited-edition translucent blue vinyl
• music label: 30th Century Records 2017

reviewed by nakaveli 09/2017