Introduced as "the awesome John Grant", the man himself evidently relishes the chance to play symphonically enhanced versions of songs from his two solo albums The Queen Of Denmark (2010) and Pale Green Ghosts (2013) - he only delves into his time fronting The Czars once for a chilling version of Drug.
His crooning baritone vocals somehow sound more fragile in this setting but that only helps to bring out the undisguised sense of vulnerability that underpins his song writing.
Although he is an HIV positive male with some lost years behind him, the calm introductions to his confessional songs are of a man who has now found some tenderness and grace in his life. As he sings on the opening song It Doesn't Matter To Him, "I'm nowhere near as awkward as I was when I was younger".
Despite the dry, black humour, the wordiness of his songs can get a little intense so Marz, with lyrics based mainly on the menu of a favourite diner, comes as some welcome light relief.
Caramel also offers a soothing personification of love: "His smile's an elixir, which heals the wounds of my darkest years"
Inevitably, the swelling strings work best on the most brooding and dramatic tracks like Pale Green Ghosts. These orchestral arrangements, by Fiona Brice, are especially effective on Glacier, a powerful song which challenges those bigots who feel they have a God given right to make people ashamed for the way you live your life.
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Here, Grant doesn't refer directly to his homosexuality but the song is clearly about the pain of a Gay man who often feels ostracised by his peers as well as being a direct attack on American theocracy and hypocrisy. His message is as honest and direct as it is didactic: "Don't listen to anyone, get answers on your own, even if it means that sometimes you feel quite alone".
Perhaps it's a bit glib to say that self deprecation has replaced self destruction but you only have to listen to the opening lines Queen Of Denmark to feel that there is an element of truth in this: I wanted to change the world, but I could not even change my underwear".
Here the big man is on a big stage with a big orchestra behind him so he can play the part of the underdog turned hero in the movie of his own life.
John Grant may still be fighting his demons and ghosts but, just like Sigourney Weaver in Alien, at least he now seems to feel that he is on the side that's winning.
John Grant's website
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