Stabilo(Jesse,Chris,Karl,Nathan) have come a long way since their days in British Columbia’s barn yard party scene.
‘Happiness & Disaster’ features the lead single and video ‘Flawed Design’, which is one of my personal favourites, something about the lyrics ring true to the mental state of a select few of my ex-boyfriend’s. Ouch! I must say the entire album is filled with musical melodies to fit whatever mood that you may be in. “Rain has a good effect on the psyche,” says Jesse. “It keeps you depressed, it keeps you inside and it keeps you writing. It totally affects your mood and that’s what creates your songs. Happiness is a distraction.” Well said indeed!
Singer Jesse Dryfhout’s vocals have a quality that just makes every song on the album believable. Plus, he has the uncanny ability to roll over the words in a rap-esque way, a- la Nelly Furtado. Christopher John’s voice blends so well that it literally sounds as one voice, yet Chris still holds his own with the brighter, softer vocals. What are we missing today? Songs that convey a message that is believable and not contrived. Stabilo are true song writers worthy of their B.C. roots shared with veteran, Canadian songstress Sarah MacLachlan.”We both tackle darker subjects,” says Christopher John,”but my songs might be infused with a little bit more hope. Musically my songs are more in major keys so come across as happier, but I wouldn’t describe my general lyrical style as happy or positive.”
This album is well worth the purchase, it also features an all new version of their hit ‘Everybody’ re-recorded during the ‘Happiness & Disaster’ recording sessions in late 2005.