Album Review: Happy Hollow by Cursive

The thing is, even though it deals with such a formidable topic, Happy Hollow is still a whole lot of fun. It isn't anger or disillusionment so much that propels the record as it is bright horns and vocal lines with allusions to third-wave ska and even indie electronica. Cursive haven't reinvented themselves -- the heavy guitars and conversational, intelligent lyrics and the occasional pained scream are all still there -- but Kasher's vocals are less raw and the band's attention to strong, interesting phrases moves the album into musical territory that Cursive have usually passed over for something more angsty.

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The current trend for young American men in thrall to Morrissey, and with a seemingly unending supply of black hair dye, can be attributed, in part, to Cursive. They have a jarring way of twisting a pop song until it becomes a despairing, punk-tinged chorale, yet still retains some semblance of a rather nifty tune. The Nebraskan group may be emo's elder statesmen but the accolade hasn't made them any cheerier as the somewhat ironically named Happy Hollow attests.

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