Groev are back with their second single Tara Grove out Friday the 22nd of August, and spoiler alert, it’s an absolute gem. Like really, really good. After the buzz around their debut single Ben and Jerrys (which has already pulled in over 25,000 streams), the lads have gone from strength to strength. With Tara Grove, they’ve delivered a track that feels like it belongs deep into a seasoned band’s discography, not just their second ever release.
The build-up to this one has been hilarious to watch unfold online. Rory, Joe, Evan, Jack, and Keagan have spent six weeks teasing us with different “versions” of Tara Grove. From the classics like Tara Grove (Car) and Tara Grove (Tree), right up to the iconic and my favourite Tara Grove (Stick) and even a Galway International Arts Festival-style rendition. Even at the time of writing they’ve just released Tara Gorev (vertigo), I’m going to let you go over to their socials to see what that one entails. It was smart, funny, and the kind of campaign that builds engagement and buzz.
The track itself is and there’s no two ways about it, an instant earworm. At just over three minutes, it’s ridiculously replayable. I’ve had it looping so much over the last week that I’ve easily listened to it nearly 100 times. On a recent drive to a shoot, I had it on repeat for the final half an hour straight, and it still didn’t lose its spark. That instrumental hook at the start and between verses is so infectious. You’ll catch yourself humming it without even noticing. I was able to sing the start of the instrumental to a friend and without hesitation they hit back with the “dodo do do dodo do..” and that was just from the teasers. The lads have created something gold here.
Lyrically, it feels almost nostalgic, like winding down at the end of the day when all the worries of the last 24 hours have faded away. That feeling of calmness and warmth is down to the incredible vocals of Joe Sweeney. Filled with lines like “we can write our stories, portray all our glories, tell it to our kids, make us out as heroes, really we’re just weirdos, just taking the piss” it’s easy to fall in love with this track. It gave me the feeling of youthful recklessness, warm reflection and also being content in relationships whether it be familial, romantic or anything in between. It’s the soundtrack to those moments that feel small at the time but turn into the stories you’ll never forget.
This is Groev proving they’re not just riding off debut hype, they’ve got something really special brewing. Between their clever social presence, strong work ethic, and tracks like this, they’re quickly carving out a name for themselves. If Ben and Jerrys got people curious, Tara Grove is the track that’ll keep them hooked.
‘Tara Grove‘ is awarded a nice little 9 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography