Greensky Bluegrass reached into the vault on Friday and plucked out “Congratulations and Condolences”, a B-side recorded during the sessions for the band’s most recent album, Stress Dreams.
Written by mandolinist/vocalist Paul Hoffman and Joshua Davis (Steppin’ In It, Shout Sister Shout), “Congratulations and Condolences” confronts the withering of friendships not properly nourished. What was once an almost familial bond slips away with the passage of time, reduced to “trying to keep up on you through the status on the screen.” Eventually, the entire relationship becomes a farce of clinging desperately to what once was, as Hoffman warns “But if pity and burden compel you / Then keep the sentiments as well.”
The wistful lyricism of “Congratulations and Condolences” is spliced with equally reflective banjo and mandolin solos from Michael Bont and Hoffman respectively, as an 8mm video shot by Dylan Langille compounds the sentimentality. Davis was inspired to write the song after his father died and his son was born within days of each other, prompting an outpouring of one-dimensional contact from both ends of the emotional spectrum.
Check out the video for Greensky Bluegrass’ “Congratulations and Condolences” or stream it on your preferred platform. Greensky is gearing up to start its summer tour beginning May 27th with a headlining set at Rooster Walk, followed by the band’s inaugural Camp Greensky Iceland in Reykjavik (6/3–6/5). Upon returning to the States, Greensky will hit the road for headlining shows with support from Neighbor, Big Something, Amanda Shires, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, The Wood Brothers, the Teskey Brothers, and Sierra Ferrell. Tickets and a full list of tour dates are available here.
Greensky Bluegrass – “Congratulations and Condolences” (Official Video)