Written by Bethany Clancy
Grunge-influenced South Carolina trio Happy. has just released their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Imposter Syndrome,” at the end of October. According to the band, this record takes listeners on a journey “from the lows of depression, anxiety, and addiction to the highs of traveling, making friends and living the dream, this record is our everlasting chase for ‘success’.” Inspired by an eclectic mix of 90s surf rock, 2000s radio punk, and modern-day emo-pop, the band creates a sound that disguises profoundly heavy lyricism in catchy, upbeat sing-alongs.
The album opens up with “Sick is the New Sane,” a track that starts off with an insanely catchy one-liner; “They say this city never sleeps, well that makes two of us,” The memorable guitar riffs set a very upbeat tone for the rest of the album.
Next, we have “ A Cure for Wellness,” which is the second single the band put out for this album. This song focuses on a story about someone close to vocalist Tate Logan who struggles with addiction. The poppy beat almost takes the song over completely, and listeners won't feel its true impact until they pay attention to the lyrics, with great lines like “I hate to disappoint with poor decisions” and “This might be forward but I’m fresh out of forgiveness.”
“Hooky” seems to be the cliche love song on the album, a personal favorite of mine. It's focused on the idea of how special it is to spend time with your favorite person, realizing that the moments that feel the most trivial are really the most valuable.
“LiarLiar” will have listeners longing for the nostalgia of a movie set in high school in the early 2000s. Lyrically, it dives into the topic of mental health, not feeling like you’re getting better, and the struggle of being on medication (especially when you feel like it isn’t working.)
“Dull Boy” is the halfway point of the album, serving as the carefree party song. It's reminiscent of early singles from All Time Low and The Friday Night Boys, and the super danceable guitar riff that introduces us to the song keeps the track upbeat and fun for the full three minutes and twenty-seven seconds.
“Background Noise” is another track with a really nostalgic sound, again, reminding me of something The Friday Night Boys would release. It’s a song discussing closure, heartbreak, and what seems like anxiety attacks, but at the same time, it makes you want to drive around with the windows down.
“After School Special” is that classic pop-punk song, emphasis on the pop, that every album needs. It tells the story of a main character who doesn't want to be themselves, feeling stuck with where they are in life, but by the end of the song, it turns into a story about romance with bad timing with the character’s insecurities and mental health.
“April is for Fools,” starts off somber, like a slow burn, but that theory is proven wrong within seconds. Despite the upbeat tune and danceable guitar riffs, the lyrics find Logan speaking to his best friend who passed away due to suicide, serving as a tribute to the adventures they had together.
“June Gloom” really brings out the surf-rock vibe in the album, mixed with the classic early Blink-182 sounds. Fast guitar riffs and gang vocals, help get the song's message across, angrily chronicling losing sleep over a toxic breakup, before slowing down halfway through; the instrumental, subdued ending transitions perfectly into "Black Picket Fence."
This track carries a very different tone than the rest of the album, diving into the struggles of working to make ends meet, wanting to do everything to relieve your significant other's stress. “They’ll bury us together if they’re smart / Bodies intertwined like ancient art / 'Cause we’ve never slept six feet apart,” are the last lines of the album, which really shows the strong feelings and emotions that have gone into this record as a whole.
"Imposter Syndrome" is available to stream wherever you listen to music, and you can support Happy. by following them on Twitter @BandCalledHappy and picking something up from their merch store; if you want more Happy. content, we have an interview with Tate Logan where he talks about what went into making this record, among other things. Be sure to tweet us @lgndsoftmrw if you listened to the album and want to share your favorite tracks!
This album is available on all streaming sites. While releasing music during uncertain times is important, what’s even more important is supporting the artists while they can’t tour. Be sure to grab a shirt, a vinyl, or even a pair of socks from the band’s merch store.
Comments