This may be the first time that I've covered an artist with over 21 Million Instagram followers. The Canadian is of most noted for his acting in Stranger Things, the two It movies and the two most recent Ghostbuster films.
However, the 22 year old has a less famous musical career. Initially through Calpurnia, onto The Aubreys and now with his debut solo album. Whereas you might expect his day job means a vanity album made of up of mediocre Pop and cover songs, this is nothing of the sort.
The majority of Happy Birthday is close to great Guitar Pop and the rest is excellent noisy Indie Rock. It is also not front loaded as the contrast of material is segued wonderfully well and the closer may be the best song on show, a song that wouldn't be out of place on one of the current hip West Coast Pop Rock labels.
That song is Wait and it is an engaging strumming stomp. But the standout may be the Power Pop joy of Choose The Latter which is all Jangle and riff. Objection! runs that close with its mix of 90s slowed down melodic scuzz and Scouse Pop nearness. A song that sounds akin to the splendid Guitar Pop that breaks out all too infrequently.
But when the fuzz and noise comes to the party, it is just as effective. Crown is such a think, all 90s In Your Face, hypnotic and gripping. Happy Birthday is an album promoted as a stand alone thing, not a mention of Wolfhard's mega TV and Film career. It deserves to be listened to as such, because this is a really really good Guitar album.
You can listen to the album here. It is available to buy everywhere and on all streaming sites.
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