REVIEW: Happily Ever Blind – Pseudohappiness (Album)

Now this, this is a strange one. Prior to this, we had only heard a little of what Happily Ever Blind had to offer. Back in 2016 they released their first two EP’s (The Black Friday Blues and The Singles Pack) and now, finally we have a full album on our hands.

Pseudohappiness is the upcoming debut album from Happily Ever Blind and it is sure to strike a nerve with Hard Rock and Heavy Metal fans all over. The reason for this is that whilst every song on this album is bizarre (which is an understatement), it is also strangely compelling too. The band’s use of catchy grooves and captivating melodies alongside schizophrenic lyrics create something we rarely see today… A daring release. Imagine Marilyn Manson with the sound of jolly nursery rhymes, you’re not too far off what this band is achieving with Psuedohappiness.

Collectively the band’s goal is to shun the established machine of 9 to 5 slavery and also go rouge on a music industry whose monotonous trends seem to be set by record labels afraid to take risks rather than audiences who are smart enough to decide for themselves what they like or dislike. This feeling certainly permeates the music when listening to this release.

Usually a single dirty rhythm guitar accompanies the unpredictable groove of the bass and hard hitting drums while a disdain for anything establishment is shouted into the microphone with force. Guitar melodies come and go and the occasional Hammond organ or melodica can be heard also. Lyrically it is a conceptual journey expressing observations of the current failing system. Teaching us not to focus on quick fixes, ie. Pseudohappiness, but to remember the divinity inside us and seek alternatives to things that bring us false joy.

The 12 track album opens up with Crooked, an upbeat song that instantly shows us the insanity of this album and band. Now, although it is one of the stronger songs off the album, the choice to have it as the opening track perhaps wasn’t the best choice. Putting The King Of Mu (track 6) at the start and having Crooked follow straight after would have served the album better. The album would open with a more reserved idea of what’s to come and then when Crooked comes in, it’d blow your mind.

Nevertheless, the album has some really good songs. E.K.W., Smart Things and Death Support certainly stand out among the 12 tracks. It’s also nice to see that as the album progresses, Happily Ever Blind mix it up with songs like Download Complete and Why I Worry. Adding pop elements and ultimately creating upbeat ballads show that this band certainly aren’t limited when it comes to their creativity. The album’s final track, Under The Dome is a very good closer in itself. It contains many of the elements found throughout the other songs and succeeds in its job perfectly. It has that twisted feel about it. On one hand, it evokes a sense of happiness and yet on the other it makes you feel like you should be endlessly sobbing without even knowing why. If that doesn’t sum up this band perfectly then who knows what will.

All in all, the album itself isn’t bad. It’s definitely clear to see what the band are wanting to achieve and knowing that they’re willing to tour extensively to promote this album, credit goes to Happily Ever Blind. Psuedohappiness is one of those albums where if you are into that style then you are going to love this album. However, if you are not then you’ll find it really difficult to enjoy this album. Some songs blend into others in the sense of similarity, with certain tempos and drives featuring among most of the tracks, it can come across as a little boring at times (believe it or not). Nevertheless, what the band is setting out to do is something we can all agree on. The music industry is in a bad place and artists need to step-up and not be afraid to do something different.

Pseudohappiness will be available digitally via all the usual download and streaming services. Compact disk and vinyl will be made for pre-order or in small batches after the digital release. Release date: March 17th.