ALBUM REVIEW: THICK - Happy Now
"Happy Now" is the sophomore release from New York trio THICK. It follows the bands 2020 debut album "5 Years Behind."
The girls pride themselves on turning harsh themes into highly exhilarating punk songs.
THICK are a band I've known about for ages now, they often come up on other bands' Spotify radios. I always like (and usually favourite) what I hear and tell myself I need to listen to more of their stuff but with such an overwhelming amount of music out there I just never get around to it. When we had the opportunity to review "Happy Now" I knew I had to make sure I allocated it to myself. It's a cracking album, everything I expected based on what I'd already heard and more besides!
Although they describe themselves as punk I'm a big fan of Bubblegrunge (you know the mysterious genre Spotify seemed to invent to confuse people in last year's stats) and for me "Happy Now" is a stunning example of that. Lots of dirty, grungy guitars and basslines overlaid with more upbeat, happy guitars, crashing drums and cutesy, pop-esque vocals.
The album is filled with infectious melodies, catchy choruses and an addictive sound.
In contrast to their mostly joyful tone their lyrics depict notions of self-sabotage and insecurity to victim-blaming and destructive relationships.
The album kicks off with the chanting of "Happiness" with lots of frantic, pulsing, screaming guitars and the super catchy "happiness from the inside" chorus.
"I Wish 2016 Never Happened" offers a sickly sweet verse full of charming vocals and up-tempo guitars, leading to a bold, self loathing infused chorus talking about not hating yourself for something someone else did to you. The whole song is a montage of self disgust and self judgement, it's a powerful listen.
"Loser" starts with a nice little riff before punking it up with bouncing drums. The lyrics talk about being told you're a loser and you should just quit. It's another track that mixes cute with brash. The whole album is like a thorn and rose scenario.
The plodding, melodic "Her Chapstick" depicts a bleak image of cheating, attempts to forgive and the feeling of loneliness even though you're not alone. The tone of the song is dark and sombre. I found it a very emotional, heart wrenching listen.
My favourite track "Your Garden" is the most addictive, infectious song on the record. It has gorgeous DIY harmonies, yet more cute riffs and lots of jangling guitars. It talks about being glad to be out of a relationship and the happiness felt knowing it's over. It's a really endearing song that showcases how adorable the girls' vocals are.
"Wants & Needs" is a fun, catchy tune with a gritty bassline and more grungy guitars. It's another track that supplies the imagery of self loading as the girls repeat the notion of "crying everyday." The spoken acapella interlude is a quirky addition.
The album ends on a high with "Something Went Wrong" which is full of attitude, airing on pretension. It's high energy pure punk!
Overall I love "Happy Now." It has a perfect DIY sound with great harmonies, an epic mix of riffs with grungy, jangly guitars a plenty. Lots of dirty basslines and blasting drums all making up the backdrop to lyrics that are extremely relatable and thought provoking. This album is sublime in every way and I recommend giving it a listen!
