Granddad

Granddad is a two-piece punk ensemble from Fairbanks, Alaska. The emotionally provocative songs echo influences from late nineties emo and early nineties pop punk— however, for a genre laden with cliché, the group attempts to eschew any expectations. Singer Kellen Baker’s lyrics inhabit the sort of heartbreak that is common to the genre, but from a gay perspective. Granddad seeks to provide a niche for underrepresented voices in the emo/punk community; those whose hearts ache with that same intensity, but cannot find their heartbreak validated in mainstream music. The music itself contrasts the lyricism, embodying a powerfully upbeat, party-fueling persona— they may be bummed out, but that isn’t about to stop them from having as much fun as possible. Granddad performs a powerfully positive set, creating an inviting space for anyone to have the time of their lives. The band’s newer material evolves toward an increased focus on melodic guitar work while maintaining the same high energy songwriting. “Dumped,” Granddad’s latest EP, was released in August 2015. Granddad’s live performances find the band sweating, screaming, and standing on any object on or off the stage that looks reasonably sturdy. The Anchorage Press says Granddad has a “perfectly crafted, refined garage sound accented by articulate vocals.” Danceable drums, heavy guitar work, and catchy melodies combine to form an infectiously inspirational atmosphere that will have audiences dancing, drinking, and making out with all their friends.