So, this is me stepping out of my element. This is the product of yet another deal between myself and our illustrious metal editor, Sander van boom Boom. This band is called Jolly. That alone should tell you, my loyal, die-hard fans, that this ain't my bag (baby). But to quote a great man and personal friend of mine; "Fuck it.". Let's listen to this bad boy!!!!!
Now I'm not going to go into a great amount of specifics about the band. The music is what I cared about here. The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 2) is the follow up to (you guessed it) The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 1). The tunes you'll find on this album range from mid range radio rock to pop-chorus lead piano sweeps to (I'm not joking here) an intro that sounds like a lower grade Meshuggah riff. Said Meshuggah meets pop song 'Dust Nation Bleak' is (yes I'm saying this) good. It encompasses heavy and melodic. But this still isn't something you'd hear on the radio. If it was on the radio, I assume more people would listen to whatever channel is the local rock station. Bass leaden verses break into a melodic chorus with the 'Shuggah tones. Add a majestic spacey bridge and WABAM!!!! you've got the best modern rock song I've heard in years.
Later down the line we run into 'While We Sleep In Burning Shades'. Now I badly want to name two bands that this sounds like a mixture of, but I honestly can't think of it. So, maybe its just one of those songs that "fits". You know what I'm talking about. A song that you're hearing for the first time ever and it feels like a familiar friend, like your momma's mashed taters, like a comfortable chair. Its a rather dreamy tune that just drifts through until the 3 minute mark when the guitar line comes in followed by the best music you took your favorite lady out to dance to in the 80s. Again, this is a great thing. I'm sitting here in all black wearing a Slayer shirt and my wife's confused. It happens.
The one two punch of 'As Heard on Tape' and 'The Grand Utopia' close this album out just right. The previous song being one you try and coax the ladies with you sly devil. And the bagpipes mixed at the end of the song are just beautiful. Didn't see it coming but I'm glad it stopped to visit. The later track brings in a spiffy bass and piano mixture. And I can't understate the vocals. This guy has a great range and voice. The song picks up with guitars adding some crunch beneath the pretty melodies already provided. Halfway through the song it all mixes together but then breaks into a sample of some cartoon/movie I've not seen before. And it continues for awhile, eventually giving into more guitar crunch at the last two minutes or so. All while the orchestration continues. It may sound odd to read all this, but it just works. Its gorgeous with the rest of the album.
Now, I know I've hit you, my loyal readers, with a lot of terms and words you're not used to hearing from me. But that's OK, sometimes you just have to step out of your boundaries and try something different. I don't find anything wrong with that. Before I was a metal lover, I was a music lover. So, I know a good song when I hear one. Check these guys out for a lighter album experience. One that's done with skill and musicianship. Be Jolly (full pun intended) and full of happiness!!!
This ones for you Sander. Love, Ryan.
