Single Review: Sad Baxter – So Happy EP

Nashville, TN’s pop sludge duo Sad Baxter have recently released their latest EP, the ironically titled So Happy EP, via Cold Lunch Recordings, with their latest release the band have ventured into somewhat darker territory without sacrificing the hooks or personality of their earlier material. The sarcastically titled So Happy EP was written during a time of life upheaval, whilst the band have imbued the songs with a more confrontational edge they have also managed to maintain their undeniably infectious approach.

Love Yew opens the So Happy EP with an attitude and fuzz drenched opener that recalls laid back intensity of the late 80’s and 90’s alternative scene, this is followed by Wash that carries a heavier grunge influence that slowly builds up to a furious chorus. The short and dark burn of Blow brings a slower more sinister element into the mix, this is followed by a slow burning duo of tracks, Believe Me and Sick Out, that start to build things back up as we head towards the So Happy EP’s final, and finest, moment, Baby.

Sad Baxter have released an EP that I can guarantee will appeal to fans of vintage alternative acts such as The Muffs, L7 and Magnapop, as well as contemporary acts like Hands Off Gretal, Milk Teeth and The Kut. Sad Baxter have released an EP that packs a weighty emotional punch, it’s also one that showcases their undeniable knack for combining distortion drenched catharsis with ear worm melodies. Sad Baxter have released half a dozen tracks of timeless grunge and punk influenced alternative, with the So Happy EP they have managed to capture the essence of the best of the female fronted alternative bands of the last three decades.

The So Happy EP can be pre-ordered here