Since signing to Epitaph, Orange County four-piece Greer worked with Elliott Smith producer Rob Schnapf for their debut EP Lullaby for You, which was released last year. Now, they’re returning with their follow-up EP titled Happy People that finds them experimenting and working with another famed producer, John Congleton, and drawing inspiration from Elvis Costello and Big Star. Today we’re sharing their single “Way Out” before Happy People‘s release this Friday.
“‘Way Out’ describes a desire for independence from the burden of responsibility, and the feeling of contradiction and guilt that comes with it,” lead vocalist Josiah shares. “As Mr. Strummer once said, ‘Should I stay or should I gooo.'” The simple, infectious pop structure of “Way Out” is a stage for Josiah’s soaring, rock-operatic vocals. In the second verse he leaves us with a sobering image: “Remembering the joy I brought / My mother cried, she said ‘Why now’ / The family friends all crowd around.” Although the instrumentation of Greer’s music is effervescent, the seriousness of their lyrics make for a compelling tension—a promising signature for the budding rock band.
Listen to “Way Out” below and pre-order Happy People here.
