Review Summary: This is an album that represents a band that has matured with it's sound while still keeping true to the characteristics of the band that people fell in love with them for, despite all that went on behind the scenes.
I feel that Dance Gavin Dance is a band that is appreciated a lot more by the listener if they have knowledge of the band's history. After losing their infamous singer Jonny Craig, there was little hope for the band as to their future endeavors. However, they managed to find Kurt Travis, previously of Five Minute Ride, to replace him and made a promising self titled album. Yet shortly after, the band lost yet another two members in Jon Mess, their screamer, and Eric Lodge, their bass player. At this point, Dance Gavin Dance could have decided to call it quits, but instead Will Swan took over screaming duties, they got a new bassist, and created Happiness.
Compared to their previous albums, Happiness is the band at its most experimental and cohesive. It is mainly post hardcore, yet contains elements of funk, jazz, progressive rock, and even rap in one of the songs (Powder to the people). Kurt Travis also seems to fit in to the band better now as his vocals intertwine with the instrumentals much better than they did in the Self-titled album. The focus of the band also also seems to be more on the sound of the band as a whole here rather than simply on Jonny's voice as it came across in both their first ep and Downtown Battle Mountain. Lyrically, the band is much better as instead of the occasional utter nonsense of Jon Mess's Lyrics in previous releases that detracted from the songs slightly, Will Swan's lyrics seem much more thought out and relevant. The topics of Kurt Travis's lyrics in this album sometimes come across as a little odd (such as random seemingly sexist lyrics within Strawberry Swisher Pt.2), but still draw the listener in overall.
Regarding the Instrumentals, the guitar is as proficient as before, with both Will Swan and Zachary Garren playing both intricate leads and clean crisp rhythms. The bass playing by Jason Ellis is very prominent throughout the songs and is very groovy and fun. The drumming by Matt Mingus is also as splendid as before if not better. Though there are no real points within the album where the drums really shine, they contribute well to the band's sound. Overall, this album is Dance Gavin Dance at it's best so far, and shows how a band can progress and impress no matter the circumstances. The theme of Happiness certainly shows throughout the album and i certainly feel it every time i come back to listen to it.
