Opening with daytime outdoor nature sounds, “Good Grief” is a conscious turn of setting. Not only does the loose rhythm return, but it also jingles with tambourine. When combined with acoustic rhythm guitar, emotive synth strings, and an all-around bright studio mix, it exemplifies just how sunny Mad Honey can get while holding on to its introspective roots.
As the title cheekily hints, “Good Grief” is an oxymoron and an idiom that is rarely considered beyond its offhanded usage as a euphemistic expletive. The band flips those connotations by taking the terms seriously and offering a thoughtful take. Sure, the chorus explains plenty with its hypothesis that “Maybe this grief can be good,” but there is still plenty to dig into lyrically. Mad Honey has a knack for conveying ideas without explaining them, and “Good Grief” ponders in nature metaphors to illustrate its balance of interpersonal and intrapersonal well-being.
While the grief of a failed relationship has its depressive tendencies, it can also be a catalyst to self-discovery, and the song makes the most of that positive spin. This is a beautiful track that feels far happier than its root cause would suggest thanks to some brilliant production and passionate performances.
“Good Grief” is handily one of Mad Honey’s best songs to date. It’s atmospherically immersive, melodically intoxicating, and brimming with layers of emotion. As antivenom goes, it doesn’t get better; this is the epitome of healing through art. Spiritual snakes are a reality of life, but with bands like Mad Honey using their talents for good, this grief-stricken world can be a bit less venomous.