“Dandelion,” the sophomore album by indie-rock group, The Greeting Committee, demonstrates the band’s ability to grasp human emotion in a poignant, reflective way.
Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, The Greeting Committee, composed of Addie Sartino on lead vocals, Brandon Yangmi on guitar, Pierce Turcotte on bass and Austin Fraser on drums, made a name for themselves with their breakthrough single “Hands Down.” Going on to release three EPs under Harvest Records, The band gained recognition for their echoing, folk instrumental sound and remarkably poetic lyrics.
“Dandelion” continues with this trend, creating a brutally honest breakup album. The first track, “Can I Leave Me Too?,” sets the tone for the rest of the album, juxtaposing devastating lyrics with an upbeat melody and instrumentals. The chorus asks the heart-wrenching question “If you leave me, can I leave me too?” expressing the trope that life is not worth living without an individual’s lover in a new, provocative way.
The titular track, “Dandelion,” falls in the third slot of the album and opens with the lyrics “Weeds in the concrete/Never seemed pretty/Now everything reminds me of me/Since I stopped thinkin’ of you quite as often.” The Greeting Committee again takes the idea that life without someone becomes less beautiful. The ability to take a weed like dandelions, and use them to embody thoughts demonstrates the lyrical talent The Greeting Committee has.
Perhaps the most enjoyable track on the album, “Make Out,” combines a catchy tune and light lyrics that pair perfectly together. Contrasting from many of the other songs on the album, “Make Out” conveys the idea that love can be simple and innocent with the lyrics, “She’s eating pickles from a jar, I think I love her/That girl I met inside a bar in East Virginia.” This contrast from the rest of the album demonstrates an understanding of the complicated and straightforward elements of human emotion.
The final track on the album “Ten,” serves as the perfect finale as it comes as a form of acceptance. The album leads listeners through a slew of emotions regarding human relationships, anger, excitement, anxiety and finally, acceptance. The repetition of the phrase “It’s kinda nice I feel alright again” to wrap up the album is the perfect way to leave listeners in awe of The Greeting Committee’s ability to encapsulate human emotion.
“Dandelion” is the perfect album to play on a fall road trip with the windows down. For those who enjoy well though out lyrics with instrumentals to match, The Greeting Committee hits the nail right on the head. yet again.
Image from The Greeting Committee via YouTube
