There are tons of band's coming from Brooklyn these days, some better than others, some more avaunt-guard than others, yet for a band like Happy Ending, they only thing that separates them from every other act from that borough is their willingness to write the simple pop-rock song. At a packed house in Manhattan's Living Room in the Lower East Side, Happy Ending held their album release party for their debut, Turn it On. The brainchildren behind Happy Ending are singer/songwriter Carl Bishop and multi-instrumentalist Mike Goodenow, last night for the first time backed by a full band, Happy Ending displayed their sound and style with massive smiles on their faces. Bishop, who reminded me of Michael Stipe on stage would filial his arms and display the power of his voice, while Goodenow led the band with the precision of a conductor in front of his orchestra. To engage any crowd in New York is a tough task and they pulled it off without a hitch, their sound a cross between mid-90's neutral rock like acts such as Counting Crows, Dog's Eye View and Gin Blossoms and mixing it with soft singer-songwriters of today like Matt Nathenson and Matt Kearny. Happy Ending don't mind not breaking down musical barriers but they sure are having a ton of fun doing a style that pleases them perfectly.
Take a look at my interview with Happy Ending from February HERE.
Take a look at my interview with Happy Ending from February HERE.
Photo by Todd Chalfant