Hailing from Albany, The Greetings describe themselves as “a dream blues trio formed in 2018 that laces smoky, bluesy, rock n roll with psychedelic atmospheres to create a unique audio experience.” The Greetings recently held a CD release party on Friday, November 7 at The Hollow in Albany in support of their debut full-length album, S.O.L.
S.O.L. contains nine songs, with the longest clocking in at a hair over three minutes. The album is easily digestible, thanks to the simplicity of its blues-rock grooves. Hearty but not too heavy, it’s an album you can finish by the end of your 30-minute lunch break with room left for dessert.
S.O.L. lands a compact punch without announcing that it’s coming. The Greetings get to the point with each song and then simply move along to the next. Fronted by the soulful rasp of Ben Gesek on lead vocals and bass, their vibe-filled tunes are elevated by Bryan Bidwell’s guitar, as he weaves light and airy melodies with effortless precision. Spring Nguyen holds each composition together on drums, acting as a rhythmic backbone that ties it all together.
The band’s second single “Scared of Love” is a standout track for its simple, universal refrain – “everyone I know is scared of love.” It’s true. Love is risky and often cannot be explained. It’s risky, confusing, uncomfortable and complicated. And yet, despite the fear, people continue to try. No matter how many times they get knocked down, they keep getting up – like a baby learning to walk. The simple concept of this song tells the listener that it’s ok to be scared because everyone I know has the same fear. Left unsaid — you’re not weird for being scared. It’s ok, because if and when you find love, it’ll be worth it.
Other songs worth noting are the band’s first single from the album “Bets” and “Pale Moonlight” for their overall song craftsmanship, while “Roadrunner 1” and “Roadrunner 2” get a little more adventurous while highlighting Bidwell’s solo guitar work and Nguyen’s expanded rhythmic foundation on the drum kit.
If you like a good rock song, free of pointless noodling, you’re in luck. Give S.O.L. by The Greetings a listen – its songs are welcoming, catchy and straightforward.
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