Happy For Real are an indie-pop duo based in Chur, Switzerland who have just come to my attention through the upcoming release of their debut EP. A stripped-down deviation on the sound established through their previously released singles, it acts as both an introduction and change of pace for the band. It’s called Desperate Art.

By Graeme Smith

Consisting of Olivia Virgolin and Marcus Petendi, Happy For Real are two multi-instrumentalists with a shared love of the ’00s indie sound. Influenced by the likes of Bloc Party and Paramore, the pair have found themselves somewhere in between the two acts for their debut EP.

Over its five tracks, a story unfolds, one about not giving a f**k and feeling yourself, with all the highs and lows that come with it. There are powerful moments that will have you moving, including right from the off with opener Limbo. It’s a title that suggests ambivalence, a theme that runs through the collection.

From the hard beats of Phony to the anthemic breeziness of Limerence to the emotional urgency of ATRT, Happy For Real give us a musical palette that ranges from the direct to the gentle. When things are all wrapped up by funky EP closer News you feel as if you’ve been treated to a record that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.

Happy For Real are an exciting prospect on the modern indie scene. They boldly buck trends while still delivering a crowd-pleasing sound. Lovers of turn-of-the-century indie rock will absolutely lap up every track of their debut EP, and there will be those who didn’t even know they liked the genre until hearing this record. They could well be your new favourite band.

Desperate Art was recorded in West Wales by Gethin Pearson at the Institute of Sonic Architecture, and mastered by Robin Schmidt of Mastering Karlsruhe. It is set for release 1 March.

You can find out more about Happy For Real on their website, Instagram and Spotify.