Review

Nothing new, nothing gained; Reel Big Fish use the same formula that’s gotten them this far on their new record We’re Not Happy ‘Til You’re Not Happy. Which could be brilliant, or it could be horrible, it just depends which side of the tracks you’re on. Bassist Matt Wong’s initial interview with CMM left us thinking we’d actually hear a more mature sound and experience an evolution of RBF both musically and especially lyrically. But needless to say, the same old silly elementary lines fill most of the album with stories of drinking, starting a band and finding out you suck, and playing practical jokes.

However, in they’re defense, this wacky approach is what Reel Big Fish and their ska style are known for. We were just under the impression there would be more of a change this time around. Of course, musically is where Reel Big Fish thrive and everything you’ve come to expect and love is back for another round including massive amounts of horns, distorted guitar, and up-beat rhythms. As pre-usual, the entire album screams for you to get up and dance along. But are you noticing a theme here yet? It’s all been done before.

At least three-quarters of the album is catchy as hell, making it still slightly difficult to put down no matter how much you might begin to think it’s becoming redundant. Songs “Last Show” and “Story of My Life” lead the way in uniqueness, especially when you can hear a small dog barking in the background to the rhythm on the latter mentioned track. Oddly enough, it’s like night and day between these songs and tracks like “We Hate It...” and “Your Guts (I Hate ‘Em)” that are composed almost entirely of strange and overly annoying laughter combined with looping the same three lines.

Some fans will think We’re Not Happy ‘Til You’re Not Happy is an enjoyable happy-go-lucky record, but others will get bored quickly with the all-to-familiar sound. Maybe Reel Big Fish are smarter than we think in selecting album titles, because at this rate, they should be extremely satisfied with our discontent.

Review by Jason Schleweis

3 out of 5