They Say it's Your Birthday

They Say it's Your Birthday

Happy Birthday - Happy Birthday

On the drive to class today I was flipping through radio stations when I landed on KEXP. A station I rarely listen to I was surprised and delighted when I hear the infectious pop of a song called "Girls FM" by the band Happy Birthday. Reading later that their debut was out today I thought " A new, fresh, indie band with a single I like? I'll take it."

Formed by vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas (aka King Tuff), drummer/vocalist Ruth Garbis and bassist/vocalist/guitarist Chris Weissman, this Vermont trio was signed to Sub Pop records after playing only five shows. Though all three members are veterans of the indie scene back east. Together they've formed Happy Birthday a poppy, grungy, punky trio that sounds like a mix between The Vines and Supergrass with a little bit of 70s garage rock... Whatever that's supposed to sound like.

Happy Birthday's debut is a bit of a sloppy album, wavering back in forth between power pop and noisy grunge tunes but has it's moments of brilliance. "Girls FM" and "Subliminal Message" are definite standouts soaked in melodic pop perfection. Sometimes the punk influences aren't as compelling as the pop but the only real deal breaker here is whether you can stand the voice of Kyle Thomas. I don't think voices get more nasally than this so you'll most likely either like it or hate. Sounds like Craig Nicholls of The Vines if he had a head cold. Though if your open minded and looking for something new than maybe it's time to party like it's your birthday... And maybe we should all listen to more KEXP.

Favorite Tracks: "2 Shy", "Girls FM", "Subliminal Message"