Happiness

"Happiness" is the third full-length album from post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. It was released by Rise Records on June 9, 2009. The band went into the studio with Kris Crummett to record the album on February 14, 2009. This album marks a significant change for the band's sound, as it deviates from their traditional post-hardcore sound and instead embraces more experimental elements, many of which are expanded upon in following albums. This is their first (and only, to date) album without original member Jonathan Mess, and therefore the first and so far only album with guitarist Will Swan handling screaming duties. It is also their only album with former bassist Jason Ellis, who left after the recording. It is their last album with former vocalist, Kurt Travis. They have also made a music video for "Tree Village". It is their second release thus far to provide lyrics for each song in the CD booklet (Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean being the first). Happiness peaked at number 145 on the Billboard 200 and 30 on the Top Independent Albums chart.