Minimalist upbeat sad rock

“If it‰’s a joke/ how come no one is laughing?‰” I‰’m an experienced punk rocker, so self-depreciative pop anthems are my niche; but I‰’ve never heard anything close to the poetically beautiful contrast Dutch band traumahelikopter puts out. A quick glance at track titles like “Last Night I Dreamed I Killed Myself‰” and lovely lyrics “I‰’m gonna die alone‰” properly themed with the track “You‰” are enough of an indication of I Don‰’t Understand Them At All_‰’s theme. Don‰’t worry, the crafted melodies more than make up for the lyrics- the band‰’s setup is so barebones that the album heavily relies on guitar and vocals as musical staples. For such a simple and easy album, the sound is artfully structured to create a fullness from two guitars and a three-piece drumset. Even so, the sound varies to cover a spectrum of genres: from old school rock (where it almost has a country twang) to garage and even into the world of surfpunk. No song gets too complex or overpowering to detract from the pessimistic themes, but still plays off the contrast and keeps the album amped up and perky. Depressing existentialism and heartbreaking loneliness has never sounded so outstandingly fun as it does on _I Don‰’t Understand Them At All, enjoy the mixed signals.

RIYL: Mozes and the Firstborns, Surfer Blood, The Black Keys (if they were lonelier boys)
Recommended: 1-3, 6