In “Happy Days,” Seasonal Falls wraps the listener in indie-pop, indie-folk, and a bit of rock as a whole, allowing the listener to get lost in a place where 90s nostalgia meets contemporary, laid-back tunes. The Swiss band, spearheaded by songwriter Roman Gabriel and complemented by the unique talents of Andrew Pelletier, will be at the most momentous juncture of many during a period of radioactivity.
The opening track, “Happy Dayz” starts off at a very mellow, slow-burning pace, seeming to begin on a melancholic note yet go to an uplifting chorus. Basically, it is about major things like global warming and inequality, but it reminds us that hope is always on the horizon. “Used to Be Fun” zeroes in on the smaller, more personal struggles with a look inside those introspective moments in life. Its bittersweet lyrics find a combination with a soothing melody that would make this one perfect for reflective days.
“Lose My Mind” sets the message to the listener to break off to go recharge: it’s cool, and to be honest, it could almost be described as taking a musical deep breath. The song screams out the message to break off, to recover energy surges deep, let go of the worries, and find peace. “Half-Moon” resounds with upbeat, folk-driven energy that takes in the Americana vibe. Now the influences coming from Grand Drive, a favourite band of Seasonal Falls, become really clear, imparting a delightful, vivacious touch on the album.
The album “Happy Days” was on its own kind of journey: from Los Angeles mixing with Andrew Pelletier to mastering in Finland with Cameron Allen. In the track “The Wind,” there’s this absolutely beautiful performance from Ben Lester on pedal steel, and it’s one of those special and deep moments, having worked with Sufjan Stevens on “Carrie & Lowell.”
The cover image is of a soothed Liza Kara, wonderful and inviting, and gives one a setting on a quiet landscape with a cabin, which reflects the album perfectly. Visually, it invites you to come and escape to the serene world of “Happy Days,” where you find peace and happiness amidst life’s chaos.
Seasonal Falls is the alter ego of veteran singer-songwriter Roman Gabriel, a well-known performer on the Manila club circuit by dint of his work with groups The Kind Hills and The Dentals. You can hear just a bit of indie treasure Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Wilco mixed in there. Long-time music teacher, touring musician, and producer Andrew Pelletier adds his touches to the sound with influences from Sufjan Stevens to Paul Simon.
There is a good story behind the name Seasonal Falls, inspired by a misunderstanding on a humorous hike at Yosemite National Park. This is a personal story that reflects the cheerfulness of spirit that the music will offer consistently, holding an extra warmth and character.
“Happy Days” is a collection of songs bringing an introspective and optimistic feel that will inspire one to chill with life and relish in the little things. Here and now, Seasonal Falls has produced an album that references the past and provides present comfort. This, in turn, most definitely will make it worth every indie fan’s time.
You can find more of Seasonal Falls at:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Youtube
You can listen to ‘Happy Days’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.