Greer Returns with an Endearing new EP: Lullaby For You
★ by Sasha Rtishchev ★
Over a year after dropping their first single, Greer, an indie rock band based in Costa Mesa, CA, finally dropped their five-track EP, Lullaby For You into the hands of thousands of eager fans. The band, headed by social media influencer Josiah, gained a large following with their two-song discography, even touring with The Regrettes. They kept talks of new releases at bay during the earlier part of this year with their social media presence, podcast, and antics. However, it was all worth the wait, as this EP truly exceeded expectations.
“Aeroplane,” first released as a single to tease this extended play, sets the tone for listeners. This song mixes elements of jazz and rock to create a melodramatic reflection on a relationship. Lyrics, such as “And I can't be there when you need me/But I wish I could,” demonstrate self reflection focused on the writers’ own shortcomings. This theme is mirrored in their earlier single, “Song For Me,” and throughout the EP. This self-awareness sets Greer apart from other bands in this genre, as it refuses to lend itself to manipulation, creating a safe space for listeners.
My personal favorite is the second song, and second single, “Bye Bye Baby,” centered around retelling a break-up. Predominantly influenced by 60s music, which works to reinforce the garage rock, yet simultaneously jazzy elements, Greers characteristic sound is present. The writing style is simplistic, exemplified by lines like “All I wanted was to buy you flowers/But now I'm waiting on you for hours and hours” allowing listeners to project their own relationship troubles onto this song.
“This self-awareness sets Greer apart from others in the genre… refusing to lend itself to manipulation, creating a safe space for listeners.”
The fourth track, “Understand,” combines classic rock instrumentals coupled with Greer’s distinctive introspective lyrics, to create a piece that serves as an analysis of another failed relationship. Lines like “Don't know the person that's laying in my bed,” illustrate the emotional nature of this song, which is hidden under guitar picking and a heavy drum beat. “Understand” is the epitome of Greer’s discography, as it pairs Josiah’s pretty vocals with bittersweet lyrics, alongside the powerful jazz infused instrumentals.
The EP can be summed up in four words: “Rock n Roll, baby.” The whole release takes listeners through a painful breakup, without fear of crying. This is why the emotion behind each line allows fans to feel connected to the band, but they are still totally jamming out. Each track reinforces the idiosyncratic sound of Greer, without beating us over the head with it, or completely boring us.
I’m personally excited to see what Greer will do next, and hope I won’t have to wait another year to find out.
★