Today, Just Fame features the new album by Happy Curmudgeons. Known for their scintillating music, exuberant live shows, and multi-genre sound, the band returns with 2nd Chances, a testament to their creative prowess. We had a special sneak peek into the album and were amazed by its sheer tenacity and artistry.
The album opens with Reluctant Prophets, a track that captivates with its subtle intro and riveting transitions, setting the tone for the listener’s journey. The lyricism stands out, weaving an intricate narrative. The title track, 2nd Chances, is equally impressive, showcasing surreal lyricism that paints vivid auditory imagery. With Amy Dixon-Lavery’s evocative vocals, Jim Moose Brown of the Bob Seger Band on keys, and Dave Patton and Chaz Oswley’s stunning violin and cello work, the track transcends the tonal boundaries the band is known for.
In All On You, the band delves into an unconventional realm, blending a mellow tonality with a carefree rhythm that’s both soothing and electrifying. Meanwhile, Rustic Glory shines as a marvel of mixed-genre progression, with a vocal structure and transitions that harken back to a bygone musical era yet feel fresh and innovative.
I Know How You Feel stands as the emotional core of the album. Its raw, sensitive lyricism resonates deeply, reflecting the essence of human experience. The subtle interplay of guitars and vocals fosters a connection that’s both intimate and expansive, showcasing Happy Curmudgeons’s gift for crafting music that truly moves listeners.
Happy Curmudgeons’s multi-genre versatility is on full display throughout the album. By blending elements from diverse styles, they create a rich, immersive soundscape that appeals to a broad spectrum of music lovers. This boundary-expanding approach demonstrates how music’s transformative power transcends genres, connecting listeners on a universal level.
The band has now earned an impressive 5 W.A.M. music awards, including the recent Silver Award for Be Kind at this year’s November ceremony.
Overall, 2nd Chances impresses with its complex tonal assembly and dynamic atmosphere. It’s an aural dynamo that we highly recommend. The album is now streaming on Spotify and is featured on our official playlist.
About the band: The Happy Curmudgeons were founded by Dave Hamilton in 2015. Dave played a benefit show for the Flint Water Crisis and reunited with his friend, Jeff Warner. Dave & Jeff began playing together after the show and writing songs which became material for their first album, Meant 2 Be. They brought in Amy Dixon-Lavery for additional vocals and had studio musicians sit in to complete the band. The band recently released their second album, 2nd Chances in the late summer of 2024 and signed with the Spectra Music Group. The album features 10 tracks and 9 new original songs. All songs were produced by Mark Byerly and mastered by Bill Skibbe at Third Man Records in Detroit.
The Happy Curmudgeons brought in some heavy hitting guest musicians for 2nd Chances. The guest musicians include Billy Cox (Band Of Gypsys, Jimi Hendrix), Jim Moose Brown (Bob Seger, Trisha Yearwood), Dave McMurray (Was Not Was, Rolling Stones, Bobby Weir), Pepe’ Espinosa (B.B. King, Santana), Bobby Balderrama (Question Mark & The Mysterians) and Mark Byerly (Bob Seger, Justin Timberlake). The band mixes genres like country, folk, blues and classic rock to get their sound. The group has already won four W.A.M. Best Americana Song Awards and are nominated again in 2024 for their song, Be Kind. The Happy Curmudgeons even pressed a limited red vinyl album with Third Man Records for their second release. Their mix of genres and clever lyrics surely will find a new song or two for the new listener. The Happy Curmudgeons have been around since 2015, but are now seeing a new audience with the release of the new album. They have their own sound with a classic influence. Their music strives towards the positive while having a relaxing vibe.
For more details visit: www.happycurmudgeonsband.com
