Three years since their sparkling debut album, Kansas City alt-rock outfit The Greeting Committee comes back with a bite on Dandelion. A tight ten tracks, their sophomore LP is a raw journey of introspection.

Album opener “Can I Leave Me Too” was also the first released single and sets the tone for the rest of the album: a desperate tale of finding yourself. Focused on the pain of heartbreak, this track is an alt-pop dream with its driving bassline and relatable lyrics. The track’s irresistibly catchy hook makes it an unforgettable jumpstart to the album. Like the title suggests, the second track, “Float Away,” makes you feel like you’re floating only – in the clouds during a storm– and the turmoil you are in feels inescapable. This second track is intimately honest in its view of depression and the toll it can have on an individual. The faster-paced bridge combined with the xylophone-esque ending sequence is a standout conclusion to this melancholic track. A little more hopeful than the previous two, the title track “Dandelion” comes third in line. This track utilizes echos, hums, and high pianos for an atmospheric chorus of introspection.

Watch the “Can I Leave Me Too” music video

Discordant instrumentals and dazzling guitars are the perfect support to the brutal honesty laid out in “Bird Hall.” While “Make Out” marks a complete tonal shift—flirty lyrics, nonsensical background yells, and a driving percussion craft, a perfectly fun, standout pick. “Make Out” is the album’s most lighthearted track, relieving us from the rest of the album’s poignant devastation. The sixth track, “So It Must Be True,” is an indie-pop dream. Just as raw as other tracks, this song juxtaposes those feelings of intense heartbreak with a lighter tone. Distant voices and a lively instrumental break make for a captivating track.

Stream “So It Must Be True”

Led now by an acoustic guitar, “Wrapped Inside of Your Arms” is a beautifully haunting lullaby. Though new, this track brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort. While “Make Out” stood out with its upbeat fun, “Wrapped Inside of Your Arms” stands out as an emotional and slow ballad. Deceptively simple, this track could be easily glossed over but will quickly become an unforgettable favorite. Though much of the album is based on introspection, “Ada” tells the story of one of the band’s close friends. Piano trills, driving synths, and encouraging drums create a reassuring and triumphant anthem.

Watch the “Ada” music video

“How Long” gives us a peek into the inner workings of someone questioning their every move, wondering what they should do next and how to be better. The use of gritty guitars, horns, voice effects, and clashing concluding sounds mark a new territory for The Greeting Committee that feels fresh and new. The final track, “Ten,” is a candid look into lead singer Addie Sartino’s life. It feels like a sweet but somber diary entry where total honesty is refreshing and reassuring.

As a sophomore album, it is refreshing to see a band try new things while still keeping elements of their sound that were exceptional to begin with. The album’s utilization of echoes crafted a dreamier and more atmospheric sound overall. However, with the majority of the album maintaining a mid-tempo, some of the tracks can blend. This makes slower or faster-paced tracks such as “Wrapped Inside of Your Arms” or “Make Out” stand out but could allow other tracks to slip through the cracks. In addition, repetition in the lyrics is used often, though this is not a negative. Instead, the device is carefully adopted to drive home specific messages in a way that does not get boring. The album uses a variety of new and interesting instruments and effects that add a further dimension to their honest and skillful songwriting. Dandelion is a strong return for the young band who have nowhere to go but up. Stream The Greeting Committee’s new album, Dandelion, below and watch their new music video for “Make Out” here.

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