To close out their Big Smile vs. America tour, Greer took it back to where it all began–Orange County, California. Getting their start in a garage just 10 minutes away from where I stood, the alt-rock band showed up and out for their hometown show at The Observatory OC.
With a packed floor, spunky outfits, and a whole lot of anticipation, my feet rumbled as Greer found their places in a sea of lit phones. Their debut album, Big Smile’s, opening track, “Omnibus,” broke silence with hazy vocals and electronic keys. Just as I found my place, heavy drums kicked in and I felt the bass vibrate in my bones. “One in the Same,” a personal favorite, swiftly followed with a gentle melody that quickly turned to crunchy distortion. Emerging from the shadows, the band’s mascot and honorary fifth member, Big Smile, high-kicked and danced to the reaching crowd. As soon as Big Smile leapt over me in what seemed like slow motion, I knew the night was officially in full swing.
“Miracle Fighting Red Baron” sung by Seth Thompson, the band’s bass guitarist, was speculative and conversationally relatable. During “Franken,” suspended chords transitioning into a punk rock feel highlighted their unique visual aesthetic. Long hair, baggy cargos, and neutral colors emulated an indie, carefree persona. Yet Big Smile’s vibrant character design, a merge of a space monster and primary colored supervillain, introduced a new element of fun to the band’s performance.
Josiah, Greer’s frontman and internet sensation, rocked the rhythm guitar and earnest vocals throughout the set. Acknowledging their local fanbase and previous shows at the Observatory, his playful (sometimes chaotic) energy received wild hollers after every sentence. Upon discussing Big Smile’s seven year long process and a celebration of Pride month, power cords led into “1994” where red lights bled through the room. Greer has mastered the slow indie intro to a loud rock chorus. Here, distorted guitar performed by Corbin Jacques and crashing cymbals by drummer, Lucas Ovalle, served as a reminder of the group’s musical range. Bassist and band founder, Seth Thompson, added to the dissonance with whipping hair and punchy frequencies.
Fan engagement was consistently encouraged as Josiah jauntily proclaimed “I can’t hear you […] let’s go f***ing berserk y’all!” “Bye Bye Baby,” full of sustained and bright vocals over succinct strums, was met with mesmerized bobbing heads. While quiet throughout talking interludes, “Test Virgin Opposites” was Corbin’s time to shine with deep, focused singing, allowing a moment of physical rest for the crowd. “Had Enough” was introduced with the invitation for anyone “fed up about being down” or disappointed with the state of the world to join Greer in their electric spirit. This song stood out for Josiah’s vocal strength as well as Big Smile’s long-awaited return to the stage, which incited many jumps and hairflips in a series of melodramatic spins and crawls on the floor.
“Bittersweet” was the song that first introduced me–as well as many others–to Greer. Leaning into the indie rock feel, this track instantly became a teenage anthem when performed live. Screaming under turquoise streams with intricate riffs, soothing cords, and pleading lyrics, this was not only a fan favorite, but a clear joy for the band as well. Concluding with the four-piece group (+ Big Smile of course) flying off their spots to a final power cord, “Bittersweet” was a sure standout.
Greer had a very simple way of speaking with the crowd–they were our friends. The band had undeniable chemistry both on and offstage, and we were lucky to have even a taste of it for the night. Like many other bands, they teasingly warned us as the set was coming to a close. This allowed for an emotional breath in “Mugwump.” With a soft, ballad-like intro turned to sentimental rock, each of the four musicians were entranced under individual spotlights. But quickly, we returned to their signature lighthearted energy in the memorable “Song for Me,” which ended in a joking Wicked riff and final ringing cymbal.
Following a brief run off stage, the band returned for the encore beginning with the intimate “Audio_77” consisting of gentle strums and airy verses. Greer extended their appreciation for everyone who contributed to their tour process, from their tour manager to the merch stands, demonstrating a deep sense of humility and gratitude. “Aeroplane” was the first song Greer ever wrote, making it a perfect way to round out the tour and their hometown visit. Accompanied by passionate singing from the crowd, this song’s profound impact on their fanbase was evident. As a surprise for their last night only, Orange County was lucky to hear a brand new cover for the band: “My Worst Enemy” by Lit. The four members jammed along to the alt-rock staple with a profound sense of confidence. Big Smile received the loudest applause as he took the final bow.
After just 17 songs on the setlist, the night was over far too soon. I watched as dedicated fans lingered outside long after the doors closed, hoping to savor every last moment of their indie-rock dreams!
Gallery:
