Written by Jon Garniss
I’m new to the Happy Fits.
A couple of months ago, the almighty Spotify algorithm decided I simply needed to hear this band, and I’m so glad it did. Despite the fact that I was mildly terrified at how specifically that algorithm could pin down what I enjoyed, I listened intently, devouring both their debut EP Awfully Appeelin’ and their first full-length Concentrate. Both releases consisted of earworm ater earworm, fuzzy dance track after fuzzy dance track, and I wanted more!
Luckily for me, I started to get really into this band around the time they were gearing up for their second release What Could Be Better? Every couple of weeks, a new single would be released, and I knew based on those songs that I wasn’t going to be disappointed.
The album starts with Go Dumb, a four on the floor surf track that just makes me want to get up and dance. The hook is so catchy! Between the cellos in the breakdown (did I mention this band has a cello?) and the endlessly loopable entrance to the last chorus, this is an incredible album opener. We then move into No Instructions, a song that basks in its staccato groove during the verses that evolve into a floatier and more open hook.
The next track on the record is the doowoppy Moving. This is a really fun lofi track, with a sweet vocal line and a guitar tone that I absolutely love. Two of Many is something a little different, with a latin swing groove and a pretty quirky vocal line leading into the chorus. This band is incredible at writing a chorus that sticks in your head after the song is over, and this is no exception.
The Garden is a standout track. Very sparse featuring little except vocals, cello, and guitar in the verses. This track is a standout of this record, featuring absolutely stunning harmonies backing up a somber and triumphant melody. One standout follows another, as we move into Hold Me Down. This track feels like the opening of a coming of age teen movie, and I mean that in the best way possible. The difference in vocal delivery from verse to chorus makes it feel like an entirely different person has taken over lead vocals. This track is packed with dynamic emotion, and I love it. She Wants Me (To Be Loved) is the first song I heard from this record, and, unsurprisingly, I love it. Between its incredible cello bass line, really trebly guitar, and bouncy drums, there’s so much to focus on instrumentally. The verses are so catchy and so clever. A unique spin on the trope unrequited love. I’m tapping my foot thinking of this one writing this right now.
I’m not positive if this was intentional or not, but Sailing feels like a modern take on the Everly Brothers, specifically in the harmony line and pace. That is not a strike at all against them; this song is gorgeous. The penultimate track on the album, Get A Job, reminds me a lot of another favorite band of mine; Half-Alive. Tonally, this song has one of the heavier choruses on the album, cranking the amps in defiance. It is a tone that I would love to hear more of, and really helps this song stick out.
Fans of the band Jukebox the Ghost will really dig the final track on the record: What Could Be Better. This song is a march, only opening up every now and then. I adore the breakdown of this song and could not recommend it highly enough.
If it wasn’t clear, I really like this album. I am beyond excited to see what this band has in store next!
You can find The Happy Fits here:
