Never Trust a Happy Song

by Grouplove

Overview

Los Angeles-based indie rock outfit Grouplove's 2011 full-length debut, Never Trust a Happy Song, builds upon the neo-folk/rock and dancey indie rock of their 2010 self-titled EP. Still featuring the talents of lead vocalists Hannah Hooper and Christian Zucconi, Grouplove tend toward creating passionate, anthemic pop moments that are equal parts post-MGMT indie soul and post-Killers dance-rock. Songs "Tongue Tied," "Spun," and "Love Will Save Your Soul" have a rollicking, post-punk exuberance while more hippie-dippy cuts such as "Colours" and "Naked Kids" (a carry-over from the EP) bring to mind such psychedelic touchstones as the Flaming Lips and late-'60s Beach Boys. In that sense, Grouplove also fit nicely next to such similarly inclined contemporaries as Local Natives, New Villager, and Black Kids. Ultimately, Grouplove's Never Trust a Happy Song is a cohesive if ramshackle crowd-pleaser, full of melodic double-lead vocals, handclaps, ringing electric guitars, and staccato synth parts that tips a hat to '80s dance-rock while still retaining the band's obvious love of experimental '60s folk-rock. ~ Matt Collar

Product Details

Release Date:	11/10/2023
Label:	Atlantic
UPC:	0075678623271
Rank:	25274

Tracks

1. Itchin' on a Photograph
2. Tongue Tied
3. Lovely Cup
4. Colours
5. Slow
6. Naked Kids
7. Spun
8. Betty's a Bombshell
9. Chloe
10. Love Will Save Your Soul
11. Cruel and Beautiful World
12. Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Grouplove   Primary Artist
Christian Zucconi   Vocals,Lead Vocals,Guitar (Rhythm)
Ryan Rabin   Drums
Hannah Hooper   Vocals,Keyboards,Percussion,Lead Vocals
Andrew Wessen   Lead Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Sean Gadd   Bass,Vocals

Technical Credits

Ben Berger   Management
Michael Brauer   Mixing
Christian Zucconi   Group Member
Ryan Gilligan   Mixing Assistant
Steve Ralbovsky   A&R
Mark Obriski   Design,Art Direction
Ryan McMahon   Assistant Engineer
Sam Riback   A&R
Ryan Rabin   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Group Member
Hannah Hooper   Artwork,Group Member
Grouplove   Design,Composer,Art Direction
Andrew Wessen   Group Member
Sean Gadd   Group Member
Nicky Berger   Management
Greg Calbi   Mastering Engineer
Michael H. Bauer   Mixing