Never Trust A Happy Song

Album titles can be pretty misleading. Take Grouplove’s debut for example. Never Trust A Happy Song would suggest a collection made up of 12 angst-ridden emo numbers.
But in truth it is one of the most cheerful and laid-back albums you’ll ever hear.
They set their positive stall out early with hand clapping and pining synths introducing the first bars of ‘Itchy On A Photograph’ which is reminiscent of Vampire Weekend at brief points before rousing itself for a soaring chorus. Infectious and unashamedly poppy, it is the highlight of the album as well as a template for the tunes to come.
Grouplove don’t budge too far from their alt-pop palate on this effort but there are other hues which colour their sound. Case in point would be ‘Colour’ which is the darkest song on the album with its thumping bass riff. But it is more of a dusk than a black night in a decidedly sunny album.

There’s a subtle hint of the carefree indie folk that has entered the mainstream in the UK, particularly during ‘Cruel And Beautiful World’. They also pay regular homage to ‘60s Beach Boys surf rock on ‘Naked Kids’ (no comment on that title) and ‘Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten’. Both tracks vividly bring to mind lazy days chilling on the beach — so much so, you can almost feel the ocean breeze and the sand between your toes.
The vocals are the highlight of this LP, especially the way frontman Christian Zucconi’s carefree voice interacts with his partner in crime Hannah Hooper’s spiky delivery.
They say you can never trust a fart or a skinny cook, but happy songs are more than reliable, if Grouplove are anything to go by.