Spectreview: Happy Times Sad Times – Don’t You Want To Dream Again?

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“Happy times, sad times
I’m feeling everything”

It’s been a long time since I’ve listened to an album that urges an immediate increase in volume, a subconscious head bop, and Don’t You Want to Dream Again? is that kind of record. Happy Times Sad Times, once just the duo of Roger Hutchins and Jacob Tice, are now confidently blowing doors off their hinges as a four-piece. Their newest record comes across not only as a graceful reintroduction but as a full blooming, with Richard Hoag and Matt Stegner’s audio work helping them make the switch from charming homebrewed lo-fi to colossal drums and warm bass that fits perfectly with this kind of music. The band values, above anything else, the basic pleasure of community in rock music, of loud instruments with simple parts you can follow and sing along to, and this album is their greatest achievement yet in that regard. It’s hard to get over how solidly these songs are written, how cleverly the band works with simplicity. Opener “Crush” not only speaks of infatuation but embodies it completely, the band surging forth as Hutchins’ vocals shift from barely repressible to exultant as he confesses his love. “Sunday” is flint and tinder for a mosh pit in the way it builds steam and carries its energy, in how the drums drop out halfway to make room for a chaotically delayed guitar and a tidal wave of voices singing the chorus in canon.

Sonically the record harkens back to the impish, impactful indie bands of the late 80’s/early 90’s, and in the same vein it’s tempting to compare Hutchins’ (and occasionally Tice’s) vocals to those of The Pixies’ Black Francis: matching energies but without the latter’s volatility, and holding an alluring joie de vivre that’s almost diametrically opposed to Francis’ twisted, cerebral ravings. Throughout the record there exists this sense of aliveness brought out by equally stellar performances by the band as well as some brilliant production. Music of this nature lives and dies by its drums, and Tice, combined with Hoag’s tweaking and Stegner’s mastering, brings a sturdy backbone and vital spirit to every track, from the exuberant swing of “Mostly Cloudy” to the rollicking fun of lead single “Bombs”. The addition of Aniela Sobel on keys and Dylan High on bass adds dimensions to the sound: Sobel swaddles the album’s back half in a dreamier, more pensive environment, while High stretches out when extra bass presence is needed. Barring a slight drop in momentum by the end, it’s a record so jam-packed with memorable riffs and blunt life-force it’s almost irresistible. “Happy Times Sad Times” opens with Hutchins singing the high harmony, as if goading you to sing along when the song finally opens up; Don’t You Want To Dream Again? is such a strong outing it’s easier than ever to give in to that communal spirit.

Highly recommended for dancing with a complete stranger, without any expectations.

EDIT: It was previously mentioned the Evan Captain was the bass player on the album. He’s the band’s current bassist, but former bassist Dylan High helped write and record the songs on the album. Yeah! Go Dylan! Go Evan!