Taking Back Sunday – Happiness Is

The latest offering from American rock band Taking Back Sunday is titled Happiness Is. Though the emotions that span the album are not limited to happiness.

Opening track, Preface, is a sparing, orchestral track interrupted by anxious, staccato strings. Beat Up Car is a tune that sounds like it was written years ago; it seems slightly out of place amongst the more developed, mature soundscapes of the rest of the record.

Nothing At All is a stripped back, acoustic tune accompanied by pained, melancholy vocals.

The whole album boasts fantastic production value but isn’t overwhelmingly exciting.

This is one that needs to grow on the listener. (SY)

**1/2