Happiness
Dance Gavin Dance · 2009
36 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock
A whirlwind of intricate guitar work, soaring melodies, and chaotic energy that encapsulates the essence of post-hardcore experimentation.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Tree Village — Opening with an infectious groove, this track showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with complex rhythms, setting the tone for the album's eclectic nature.
-
→
Self‐Trepanation — This standout track features intricate guitar interplay and dynamic shifts that highlight the band's technical proficiency while delving into themes of self-exploration and vulnerability.
-
→
Strawberry Swisher Pt. 2 — Serving as a melodic high point, this song combines heartfelt lyrics with engaging instrumentation, encapsulating the duality of joy and introspection present throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious songwriting with intricate arrangements, though its cohesion dips slightly.
What we noticed
- Vocal duties are shared between two singers, creating a dynamic interplay that shifts throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar harmonies and intricate riffs, which contribute to a dense sound texture.
- The last three tracks maintain a consistent energy level but introduce more melodic elements, providing a contrast to the earlier chaos.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout
- eclectic vocal styles energizing sessions
- intricate guitar work detail hunting
- short bursts of frenetic energy
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 9, 2009, 'Happiness' was Dance Gavin Dance's fourth studio album and their first after the departure of lead vocalist Jonny Craig. The band aimed to redefine their sound following mixed responses to their previous album, 'Dreams and Nightmares', seeking a fresh direction while maintaining their signature style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Fall of Troy· Chiodos· Emarosa
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tree Village 3:22
- 2 NASA 3:35
- 3 I’m Down With Brown Town 3:01
- 4 Carl Barker 5:13
- 5 Happiness 3:30
- 6 Self‐Trepanation 3:13
- 7 Strawberry Swisher Pt. 1 3:28
- 8 Don’t Tell Dave 3:17
- 9 Strawberry Swisher Pt. 2 3:06
- 10 Powder to the People 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.