THE AUDIO GUIDE TO HAPPINESS - PART 2

Jolly has finally released their Audio Guide to Happiness, Part 2. They've returned with more interesting prog rock with a metal twist, and they layer all of this with a special sense of humor that could only be compared to that of Haken. It's a strange sense of humor that takes the music very seriously, but also likes a bit of quirk thrown into the mix.

Jolly truly does love their fans, and they have shown this by releasing another fantastic album. This album is full of rockers and ballads alike, and they even throw in some bagpipes and synth for good measure (hence, the neo-prog tag). In other words, Jolly expanded their boundaries a bit here. Part 1 is an amazing prog rock album indeed, but Part 2 is even better.

Jolly has certainly matured in such aspects as restrain and eclecticism, and this album is the better for it. Part 1 contained more of a technical edge to the metal parts; and, while this is still present, I feel that Jolly knows that technicality does not always make a good song. They have matured to the point of being experienced musicians now, and I can't wait to see where they take us next.

New York's Jolly is a band that really popped on my radar after hearing 2011's The Audio Guide to Happiness, Part One, as their unique mix of progressive rock, alternative, metal, and pop sensibility immediately set them apart from other progressive acts I was hearing at the time. Two years later, and Jolly have left me with a similar impression on their second (and final) installment in the series; Jolly conjures a one-of-a-kind atmosphere with their music, and they also posses the compositional and technical finesse to make the unique ambiance of their sound damn enjoyable to listen to. If anyone was unsure how this band was able to capture touring spots with acts like Riverside and Flying Colors, The Audio Guide to Happiness, Part Two provides a sufficient explanation why - a masterful expression of mood, atmosphere, and attention to detail, this is one of 2013's early musical highlights in my mind.

The style of music heard on The Audio Guide to Happiness, Part Two could best be described as progressive metal, although Jolly hardly resembles 'traditional' prog metal acts like Dream Theater or Fates Warning. The focus is largely geared towards moody and intense atmospheres not too dissimilar from recent Porcupine Tree or Marillion efforts, albeit with more deviations into alternative pop, metal, and even electronic territory. Jolly aren't afraid to incorporate some damn heavy guitar grooves into their music (there are even some harsh vocals in the dynamic "Firewall"!), as well as plenty of catchy melodies and strong hooks; while Jolly are perhaps not the most traditionally 'prog' band out there, their complex, eclectic, and highly atmospheric sound should grab the attention of most progressive metal listeners.

Fortunately, Jolly's excellence transcends their stylistic originality, as their talent as composers and performers is apparent throughout all of The Audio Guide to Happiness, Part Two. Although their playing styles are not particularly flashy, Jolly demonstrates their talents through detailed compositions and professional musicianship across the board - things like the atmospheric build in "Despite the Shell" (and the magnificent guitar solo that soon follows!) or the strong dynamic variation in "Firewall" are the mark of some truly skilled composers. What perhaps amazes me most about Jolly is that, even though their music is quite complex when closely analyzed, it manages to come across as accessible and almost pop-like to the more casual listener; the result is an album that is enjoyable on first listen, but still reveals new details with each new listening session.

As enthusiastic as I was (and still am) about The Audio Guide to Happiness, Part One, this installment is more mature and refined than its already superb predecessor. If compelling atmospheres, tasteful musicianship, and strong melodies are what you crave from progressive metal, Jolly should be on your radar - this album proves that they are part of the genre's upper echelon without a doubt!

Ok, The Audio Guide to Happiness Part 1 was good? But Part 2 is just excellent!

Two years after the first part Jolly released this second volume which improves the formula, finally reaching the level of excellence that I always knew that this band had inside. The heavier sections are heavier, the mellower ones are finally at the same great level and the album is incredibly varied, catchy and full of memorable tracks.

Anadale sings better than ever, getting unknown tones in his voices like some good accomplished growls and the rest of the band shines also as always. I can't really say who sounds better in this album! All the four members of the band make a great job and the production is also very good, full of details and layers which make this album resistant to many many plays.

Best Tracks: in this album is very difficult to pick single tracks, really. All of them have an excellent level of quality! But if I had to choose, I would pick Firewell (powerful, heavy and prog), You Against the World (great mellow alternative tone with a great chorus), Dust Nation Bleak (oh my God, what a great track!), While We Slept in Burning Shades (this band is awesome!) and The Grand Utopia (the most progressive track of the album!)

Conclusion: The Audio Guide to Happiness Part 1 was a big improvement in comparison to Forty-Six Minutes, Twelve Seconds of Music, but this Audio Guide to Happiness Part 2 is the definitive consolidation of Jolly as one of the most innovating, interesting and varied of this decade. I expected this album to be good, but not to this level!

So, if you haven't heard this album yet and you are interested in the most alternative side of prog, please hear The Audio Guide to Happiness Part 1 and then this even better Part 2. You will be surprised, for sure!

My rating: ****