Although capable of making fascinating tracks, the British trio
Fridge seemingly can't bother tempering its experimental inclinations enough to make a solid, enjoyable full-length. Slightly more difficult than 1999's
EPH,
Happiness presents nine tracks of alternately beautiful, alternately boring sound experiments disguised as songs. Titles like "Melodica and Trombone" and "Tone Guitar and Drum Noise" are humble, unadorned tips to the creation of the tracks, though removing the mystery from such compositions isn't always a good thing. There are many excellent moments here; "Cut Up Piano and Xylophone" is a soft, gauzy piece reminiscent of '70s minimalism and "Five Four Child Voice" a precocious time-signature jam. ~ John Bush