ALBUM REVIEW: HAPPIER NOW BY MOVEMENTS
Reviewed by Cecilia Pattison-Levi
Release date 4 September 2026
Southern Californian post-hardcore band Movements release their fourth album, ‘Happier Now’, and lyrically it’s about the search for a deeper meaning and connection to others. Movements are a critically acclaimed post-hardcore and emo band from Rancho Santa Margarita, California. They formed in 2015 and consist of Patrick Miranda (vocals), Ira George (guitar), Spencer York (drums), and Austin Cressey (bass). On this album, the band are asking the big questions while pretending “everything is fine” as the reality of “blood in your mouth” as “looking for flaws” leads to “you might find something someday” that is “deep inside”: post-modern anxiety indeed!
The album opens with Movements asking the question, “Is it worth it?” as the song ‘Pulse’ regrets the “fight” in life as it “draws blood” as the protagonist tries to “change” and “puts myself in the way” of “searching”, all to the alternative rock sound that has a dark core. The “noise in my head” of ‘Dissolve Me’ is an amazing song. The thoughts about “being lost in translation” and the need for “patience” as you go “head-first into the concrete”: are about tethering the pieces of life together. It’s brilliant emotive songwriting. It is followed by the living lie of ‘Everything Is Fine’and it is acerebral, moody post-punk song that tackles anxiety. Despite the sardonic title, the soundscape has an infectious melody and a huge chorus.
The guitars chime and clash on ‘Happier Now’, where we are informed that we “are better off” if we “don’t go outside”. The “different path” and the change in the weather are “still shit” in a “darker conversation” about “feeling alive” as the guitars drone in a swirl of anxiety and uncertainty about “happier sounds” not being “worth it”. “Are you alright?” leads into ‘Flowerbed’ as the drums beat and the guitars frame the “darkness”, and layered, echoing vocals give the song a spectral aspect as we await “spring time”. ‘Back In My Ways’ has the dark, chromatic guitar riff roll around the melody line as “the world goes up in flames”. The light guitar melody and echoing vocals start ‘Spellbound’, and it is emotive and, at one minute and seven seconds long, is a lovely melodic break.
The break is needed as “the world is not good for me” of ‘Ill At Ease’ starts with a dramatic punk blast as the idea of “leaving things behind” gives the listener a sense of disquiet. The chugging guitars halfway through the song are classic and so good as whispered vocals ask, “what is happening to me?” Then, the drums and light, piercing guitar riffs start ‘Live By The Sword’ as a warning as “times change”. It is followed by ‘Everyone I’ve Ever Been’, an ode about “being different” and how it might not be so true as people don’t truly change “like thoughts on a page” as “I am showing my age” as the roles you take on in life change you on the surface but is too late to “write a new page”. ‘Fragile Hands’ is a moody drum and synth-led song about “decisions” around “leaving” and a “love swept away”. The lyrically and sonically heavy ‘Separate’ closes out the album. It is another song that tugs at the heartstrings with its post-hardcore intensity and “getting that cadence right”.
Movement’s album, ‘Happier Now’, will be loved by fans and good music lovers alike. The lyricism is wonderful, the soundscape is great alternative rock with punk and post-hardcore flourishes. I really like this album: it’s beautifully realised and the questioning motifs are clever and fascinating, so “take all” of it and don’t wait “for the cycle to repeat”. It’s too good!
