Grouplove – Never Trust A Happy Song

Artist: Grouplove
Album Title: Never Trust A Happy Song
Released: September 13, 2011
Label: Canvasback/Atlantic
Website: http://www.grouplovemusic.com

The debut album of this 5-piece indie rock band can be described as an amazing musical journey that makes you want to get up and move. Grouplove’s Never Trust A Happy Song is a roaring rock n’ roll, indie pop rumpus that gets going when the starting track “Itchin’ On A Photograph” claps into action. Immediately you are swept into the the guitar medleys, keyboard synth, creative lyrics, and the lead singer Christian Zucconi’s unique voice. The group’s harmonies are strengthened by their unique and close friendship that was forged in an amazing fashion. The band came together in an artist colony in Greece. Together, through their differences and individual eccentricities, the band made harmonious songs with deep lyrics.

The band is composed of Christian Zucconi, Hannah Hooper, Sean Gadd, Ryan Rabin, and Andrew Wessen. The band had a hit single called “Colours” from their self-titled EP that brought them into public eye.

The songs that stick out on this indie-pop/rock LP all make you wanna get up, dance foolishly like no one’s watching, and headbang to your hearts content. The second track “Tongue Tied” is the ultimate party song. Starting out with a major guitar chord, a minor piano chord interlaced through it, and a synth pop melody floating above this house party anthem, “Tongue Tied” is a definite listen from the album. The band’s hit single “Colours” continues the trend of good feelings and catchy beats: “It’s the colours you have, no need to be sad.” “Naked Kids” comes in soon after as a catchy summer beach song to play when swimming with or “Cruisin’ down the highway with my friends, top down” “Spun” makes you feel like driving down the road at top speeds as your hair blows in the wind. The lyrics, while often hard to catch, are fun and catchy to attempt to sing along to. This is the only song in which Andrew Wessen sings lead. Then “Chloe” has Brit member, Sean Gadd, singing an exciting song about being free to do what you want. Finally “Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten” ends the album with the members of the band howling like wolves, before leading into a rock song that is the perfect ending to this amazing album that leaves you with a happiness in your heart and a smile on your face.

Reviewed by Sam Ramsey