August Premier

Happy Miserable

Happy Miserable is the sound of August Premier maintaining integrity, instead of pandering to some chance at 15-minute fame. The band folded nearly a decade ago after releasing their Fueled By Ramen debut, Fireworks And Alcohol, a glossy pop-rock album that had them primed as Fall Out Boy v2.0. Their comeback album, Happy Miserable, is far more rough-and-tumble, but bursts with melody. Comparable to bands such as the Loved Ones and Carpenter, August Premier let the melodic riffs and sandpaper vocals do the walking. They even ape Foo Fighters and own it (“Foo Figgity”). Sappy ballads can be hit or miss for punk bands, but put August Premier in the company of the few that can do them well (again, see the Loved Ones). In fact, “A Good Day For The Birds,” a tender number, is an album highlight.

Pacific Ridge http://www.pacificridgerecords.com

“Foo Figgity”