Eight Years in the Making: Greer’s ‘Big Smile’ Was Worth the Wait

After six months of teasers and single releases, eager long-time Greer fans finally got to reap the reward of their patience. The SoCal band announced the release of their first full album, Big Smile, after a long three-year hiatus. In their announcement posted on Instagram, they stated that the album had been 8 years in the making, setting high expectations for fans. They did not disappoint.

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The band’s hiatus stemmed from a desire to find themselves and rediscover their sound, feeling disconnected from their previous work. Reuniting behind-the-scenes in 2023, they wrote an astonishing 200 songs; we have the honor of listening to thirteen of them. Compared to their previous singles and EPs, Big Smile leans into a heavier rock sound, experimenting with new textures while staying true to their indie roots. It’s a mature, introspective version of Greer that reflects their growth through the years.

If there's one thing that you take from me it's this: listening to this album with headphones on is a must. It opens with “Omnibus”, a psychedelic portal that plunges you into the rest of the tracklist. Joshia’s soft vocals transition into a heavier rock, at times teetering on chaotic, that perfectly mirrors the song’s themes of uncertainty and overwhelming emotion. This unpredictable energy sets the tone for what follows.

“One in the Same” stands out as an instant classic. Its infectious chorus begs to be belted out while letting the beat take over your body. The song explores a complicated, toxic relationship that you just can’t let go of: “I could just break apart, but I don’t want to.” "With Might of Worms” on the other hand, is an instrumental track packed with distortion, chimes, and melodic “la-la-la-la”s, showcasing the band’s range. 

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“Miracle Fighting Red Baron” offers a refreshing shift. Just as you wonder, Wait, that’s not Josiah! Corbin’s vocals bring a sort of pop-punk energy that shakes up the album’s dynamic. “Franken”, one of the previously released singles of the album, starts out acoustic, capturing each strum and scratch of the strings. A split-second tease of feedback later leads to a bass drop that erupts into a rock explosion that I would sell my soul to hear live. 

At track 7, the album begins to delve into deeper emotional territory. “1994” is drenched in regret, burdened by words left unsaid. A dramatic tempo shift heightens the anguish felt by the vocalist. “Test Virgin Opposites” is easily my favorite track off of the album. It starts with a slow, deep beat and then begins to switch back and forth in pace, making it a guaranteed crowd favorite at live shows.

“Demolition 9” is another standout. Corbin’s vocals are soft and raw, accompanied by acoustic guitar and gentle violin. Something about this track feels so comforting, like a hand reaching out to you in the cold rain. Then there’s “She Knows,” a heart-wrenching ballad where Josiah's voice drips with desperation, which, in all honesty, brought me to tears. The line “She knows, there’s something in her eyes” lingers, making you wonder if the protagonist’s love interest senses an impending separation despite his efforts to soothe her worries.

Closing the album is ”audio_77”, a stripped-down track with hauntingly beautiful vocals. There's a feeling of helplessness coming from the vocalist, who describes a feeling of emptiness and pleads for a connection that feels just out of reach.

Big Smile is more than just an album—it’s a testament to Greer’s evolution and the time they’ve taken to refine their voice. It’s an immersive experience, one that sticks long after the last note fades. Personally, I haven’t been able to listen to anything else since its release, and the second tour tickets dropped, I was there at the checkout. With their tour set to kick off in May, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Watching their journey unfold and seeing fans rally behind them only reinforces what we’ve known all along—Greer is here to stay, and they’re just getting started.