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Dance Gavin Dance - "Happiness"

Release Date: June 9, 2009

I didn't enjoy Dance Gavin Dance's self-titled album.  Downtown Battle Mountain was an outstanding album, and I think a lot of credit can go to vocalist Jonny Craig.  He's a great singer.  The step from DBM to the self-titled didn't feel right, though.  New vocalist Kurt Travis just couldn't bring the experience Craig did, and production on the album just felt rushed.  I was unenthusiastic about Happiness, to say the least.

If the self-titled album was a step back for Dance Gavin Dance, Happiness is five steps forward.  Kurt Travis seems to finally feel at home with the band, and while he doesn't sound one bit like Jonny Craig, his unique and catchy voice matches the band's new sound almost perfectly.  The new technical and funky feel present on Happiness actually seems better suited for Travis; Jonny's voice would almost seem out of place.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference on the new album is the song composition.  Instrumentally, nothing seemed to be overlooked this time around and the band isn't just making noise anymore.  Technical guitars and other sounds blend together to give the album a sort of funk that was much needed.  The more heavy parts give drummer Matt Mingus some time to shine, and are usually accompanied by screamer Will Swan.  When the focus is on Travis' clean vocals, the band gets a little more melodic and trippy, and the result is fantastic.

Dance Gavin Dance has never been a band that is strong lyrically, though, and that's very noticeable on Happiness.  There's nothing thought-provoking or interesting, and sometimes the lyrics flat out ruin the song.  Think "Don't Tell Dave", where the chorus consists of simply, "So glad you made it, did  you bring your friends x3, it's a party baby, hope it never ends x3."

If Dance Gavin Dance could release an album with excellent lyrics I think I'd have a new all-time favorite record.  It seems to be the only thing holding them back - both vocally and instrumentally they're outstanding.  While it's interesting to think of what the band would sound like today had Jonny Craig, Jon Mess, and others not quit, I believe Happiness shows that it doesn't matter.  The band has obviously found their sound with what I believe to be the best Dance Gavin Dance album to date.