Following on from the release of their highly-praised debut single 'Future Vertigo' near the end of last year, London-based outfit Happy Science have now returned to deliver their latest anthem 'The Last Goodbye'.
Channelling the same progressive post-punk vibe as acts like Yard Act and Sleaford Mods, 'The Last Goodbye' makes for a brilliantly intoxicating listen. With its jangled guitars, driven pace, and passionate vocals layered throughout, these guys definitely look set for big things ahead.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with the band's Daniel Connolly to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar, of course. It’s the most diverse instrument in the world. It can sound like a Jimi Hendrix guitar solo, a violin. Music the strings and turn it into a drum. Add some pedals and make it a synth. The guitar is a monolith and it’s being very underrated these days.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was always a bit of a weirdo as a kid. When all my pals were listening to Razorlight or Usher I was getting lost in amazing songwriters like Bacharach and The Everly Brothers. I also loved the Blues guitar sounds from artists like Elmore James and Robert Johnson. I was also getting into a lot of punk and post-punk bands in my teens, such as Gang of Four, Television, PiL, The Cramps, Stooges to name a few.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Paul Weller – Stanley Road. That was my old man’s favourite album and was passed down to me as a kid. It was my first love. I remember hearing that opening riff from ‘The Changing Man’ for the first time and feeling like I’d taken off. That changed my perspective on music forever.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Neil Young – The Needle and the Damage Done.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
None whatsoever. It changes all the time. Sometimes I’ll be fiddling around with an acoustic guitar and a riff or melody will come to me. Other times, I’ll hear someone beat and try to recreate it on a drum machine or inside of Pro Tools and build something around that. Sometimes, I’ll have some words that come out of nowhere and I quickly type into my phone on the move and I’ll later try and create some music to accompany it. I love how the process is ever changing; it means no two songs ever sound the same and keeps me being creative.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m really digging Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood’s new band The Smile. They’ve gone back to their more Lo-Fi, garage roots and it’s really authentic. I’m also listening to a lot of The Alerted Hours and Goucha’s Lowly Soul band at the moment.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Pixies.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Playing to crowds of people and unifying people through their mutual love of the songs that you wrote in your bedroom. It’s a special thing indeed.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Nothing’s really that frustrating to be honest. Being a musician (for me at least) is the best thing in the world.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Get out there and gig. Play everyday if you can. Play with as many other musicians as you can. Fail and start a new band. Change your band name and start again. It’s the only way you’ll properly grow as a musician.
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Happy Science's new single 'The Last Goodbye' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.