Churchill – Happy/Sad

By Marlee Keeven
The members of Denver-based indie band Churchill doesn’t need to worry about petty things such as publicizing their music or building a fanbase – they have already achieved local fame and then some. And to think, their full-length debut album, Happy/Sad, was only released on February 8.
With Coldplay-like piano buildups and sweet sounds of mandolin, this is soulful and catchy music that’s likeable for the masses. It’s also mellow, feel-good music that speaks to those who have seen love and heartbreak alike.
The beginning of Happy/Sad doesn’t do the rest of the album justice, however – the first song should maybe take the last song’s place – but this is one of the few faults of this album. In fact, the album gets better and better as it goes, instead of the usual other way around.
The album especially picks up when the voice of Bethany Kelly joins in, about three songs in. Without her, Churchill’s sound wouldn’t be nearly as interesting. One of the best songs on the album, “We Used to be Happy,” features only Bethany’s voice, and it’s sure to catch your attention. Of course, the band would be nothing without Tim Bruns’ lead vocals as well, but at times his voice sounds all too familiar within the music industry today.
Happy/Sad is a giant step for Churchill, and if this is what they have to offer for their first full-length album, then they’re definitely on the road to success as a popular band.
www.myspace.com/churchilltheband