“Waking up for what?/As I pace back and forth./Maybe it's time to move away./But what would that prove anyway?” (lyrics from the song “Happiness”)

Dance, Gavin, Dance has come back swinging with their new album “Happiness”. With the loss of screamer Jon Mess, who left the band abruptly along with Eric Lodge, they have released an album following their self titled release. Jon & Eric’s exit wasn’t formally announced, but their myspace doesn’t have them listed as current band members any longer. Many fans have written on numerous blogs their concern with this sudden leave, and what it means for the future of DGD. Bass player Jason Ellis has also formally left the band as well, but is on this record “Happiness”. Does this mean that DGD has derailed? Well, this new album has set the record straight: DGD doesn’t need lost band members to make good music.

“What excuses do you make/Happiness is hard to find/I didn’t catch a break.” The first song on the album is “Tree Village”. The balance of singing and screaming on a bed of guitars and synth seem to start the song off right. The song by itself (without the hidden meaning) seems to talk about how everyone seems to be throwing their morals out the window because they’re so focused on money, stuff, and sex. What kind of life will you lead if that’s all you’re looking for?

However, the lyrics seem to be deeper than the face meaning they bring. It could be speculated that DGD is writing about the recent split of band members. This is simply an accusation. Although, let’s not forget that DGD has had a history with band members quitting due to conflicts inside the band. The lyrics they have written sure make it sound like they’re bashing people who try to find happiness while they are unsatisfied. Lyrics like, “and I could care less if I deserve this” makes one wonder if one doesn’t truly deserve it, do they truly want it? Furthermore, they say, “sever the ties/follow procedure”…. What more could I say.

After the second song, I was sort of lost in translation. The quality of the album is GREAT. Certain songs, however, seem to just blend into each other, seeming to disguise the individuality of each track. It’s no doubt that their track titles are unique. “I’m Down with Brown Town”, “Powder To the People”, and “Strawberry Swisher pt.1&2;” are just a few that caught my attention.

The title song “Happiness” is one of the only songs that lack cursing. This song is a bit slower and so soothing. It talks about a mother who lets her daughter swim in a lake, and after she is distracted for a couple of seconds, she drowns. My favorite part of the song (combined with lyrics and music riffs) is, “it’s not your fault/that’s what they all keep saying/blaming myself/there's nothing left/why do I bother praying?” I think lots of people can be upset for what happens in life and blame God for their lack of happiness. Ironically, the song is titled “Happiness” and losing a daughter is clearly not a happy thing. I love DGD’s for their cleaver irony in songs. This is what I expect from them.

My favorite track is “Don’t Tell Dave”. It seems to combine inspirations from Four Letter Lie to Panic! At the Disco with a splash of something R&B;. (NOT TO MENTION some risqué lyrics like our friends Metro Station.) That is what makes Dance, Gavin, Dance so interesting. They are great musicians who combine such richness to how they covey a song. The lyrics are sort of silly, but rumors about the true song meaning seem to be a telenovela (that’s Spanish for soap opera). Their old merch guy was named Dave. The girl he had been seeing liked dating merch guys as she clearly moved on to another merch guy while being with Dave. She said, “Don’t Tell Dave” thus inspiring such a song.

Now, this album is clearly not for a younger audience. I tried counting all the obscenities, but I realized its uselessness. They throw around the “f” bomb quite a number of times. Also, there is some random rapping in the song “Powder to the People”. Either way, I absolutely love this album. They have nonsense lyrics (“Mickey mouse covers look good on your body.”) and some serious lyrics (“guess I still miss her/Oh well, it's me and you/What else should we do?/Well, talking is for functioning people.”)

Released on Rise Records, “Happiness” is certainly a top 20 in 2009. Dance, Gavin, Dance will always make things interesting; you just got to be paying attention. Go out and give it a listen all wrapped up in your Mickey Mouse sheets, just don’t be caught with two merch guys. You might get a song written about you.