Grandaddy have become darlings of the British press, that cruel lover. We must love them more. Grandaddy could easily drum up stateside affection with their new EP, Signal to Snow Ratio . A brief burst of infectious ideas, while sometimes specious, the EP packs as many subtle effects and pleasurable references that seem possible before bursting the po-mo bubble in its 13 minutes. Maybe it's just the beards, but Grandaddy insouciantly pull off this lo-fi pastiche material with apparent reverence and minimal irony.
Beards strangely instill a sense of sincerity in artists.
Similarly, the Beta Band carry an air of sylvan devotion thanks to unchecked face follicles. Bonus points for neck beards. Well, Grandaddy have the hooks to back up the beards. The 13 minute duration blows the wispy memories of Signal to Snow Ratio with the brisk wind of disposability. You'll need the beards more than ever, guys.