Groev’s debut single “Ben and Jerry’s” is a beautiful gut-punch of a song. It’s soft, sad, and soaked in emotion. Written about the passing of a beloved pet, it’s a tribute not just to a long time friend, but also a tribute to the unwavering, unconditional bond that comes from those friendships.
From the opening lines “Never wanted to say goodbye / You’ve been here all my life / Don’t want to watch you leave” the intense feeling of loss and sadness is immediate. There’s no overthinking or sugar-coating here. Instead, Groev give us a song that feels honest, with vocals that ache. If you’ve ever lost a pet, this one will stop you dead in your tracks. Even reviewing this track brought me back to losing my own four-legged friend. Music is art, and art is about making someone feel something. If you can stir emotion through your creative expression, then you’ve succeeded, and these guys have done just that.
The lyrics capture the little things: scratches on doors, socks on the floor, hallway footsteps, all the small moments that take on new meaning after someone (or something) is gone. It’s those everyday memories, the mundane habits that linger longest, that Groev tap into with precision. Reflecting on everything that reminds them of their pet, the lyrics “I see you in every single thing I do / Walks along the sand / To Ben and Jerry’s ice cream” become quietly devastating, turning simple everyday things into a monument to grief and love.
There’s a definite Kodaline feel here. It’s melodic, heartfelt, and cinematic in all the best ways. That’s not to say Groev aren’t in their own lane, though. They bring their own warmth and humility to the track, and having seen them open for Jamie McIntyre last weekend (check out our review for that night), it’s clear they’re a band who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
The live performance of “Ben and Jerry’s” was just as moving, and it’s easy to see why this debut is already garnering some attention. It’s rare for a new act to release something so emotionally complete on their first outing, but Groev have done just that.
This one has stayed with me. That kind of emotional pull deserves serious credit.
8 of 10 – A touching, beautifully crafted debut from a band with a lot of heart
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography