‘Happiness Is’, the sixth full-length by Long Island melodic stalwarts Taking Back Sunday, has enjoyed a somewhat sensationalist preamble. Following various line-up alterations throughout their history, the record is the second to feature the original Lazzara/Nolan double-act since their acclaimed debut. Mike Sapone, who previously enjoyed pre-production credits on the band’s initial two records yet more famously is responsible for Brand New’s back catalogue, sits at the production helm alongside Marc Hudson. Lastly, the band have moved away from the major label partners, opting for a release by the comparatively small Hopeless Records.
Combined, these individual attributes should really have mouths watering. A “return to form” is even in the mix, assuming that Taking Back Sunday were ever off-form with their recorded material.
And herein lies the secret – Taking Back Sunday haven’t changed all that much over time. The return of Nolan to reinstate the excellent dual vocal harmonies that can only be achieved through his and Lazarra’s distinctive tones has certainly enhanced recent material, but at the music’s core, down-tempo melody driven emotionally charged rock is the starter, main course and dessert.
This is not a negative. Taking Back Sunday are experts at what they do, and in terms of song composition, moments on ‘Happiness Is’ are some of their best work. The lead single, ‘Flicker, Fade’ packs enough understated angst into its four and a half minutes to guarantee an electric live performance. ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ sees Lazarra at his most vicious, yet balances it with an inevitable understanding and a gentle overtone. Faster numbers such as ‘Stood A Chance’ and ‘Like You Do’ even see the band venture a little closer to a pop-punk sound.
Fundamentally though, ‘Happiness Is’ isn’t far removed from its five predecessors. Those aching for the mythological “return to form” won’t find it here. But those searching for this Holy Grail are undoubtedly shrouded by nostalgia. In essence, each of the ten tracks proper offer exactly what ‘Tell All Your Friends’ and ‘Where You Want To Be’ delivered. There’s a vague shiny veneer provided by the distinctive production value (take the Brand New-esque ‘Nothing At All’), however ‘Happiness Is’ is simply Taking Back Sunday doing what they do best, and doing it well.
This review is written from the point of view of someone who has followed Taking Back Sunday for over a decade, but as is abundantly evident, the Long Islanders are still attracting new fans with every venture. ‘Happiness Is’ won’t stop them from drawing in anyone keen on a melody. Whatever your experience with Taking Back Sunday’s back-catalogue, this is a good place to start.
BEN TIPPLE