THE AUDIO GUIDE TO HAPPINESS - PART 1

I had high expectations for this album, between the comparisons to Porcupine Tree and the interesting use of binaural tones, but I was ultimately disappointed. The album is certainly not bad, but there is no new ground broken here, even with the special recording techniques. The album is fairly uniform and static, hovering between straightforward and progressive rock. The euphoric experience the album is meant to induce is over-hyped to say the least. If he uses the imagination, the listener can notice the special feel of the sound, but what it actually does can't really be said.

Here's a description of the album from Amazon: "JOLLY is the summation of four minds set out to revolutionize the art of sound. Under the guise of rock music, JOLLY has devised a therapeutic auditory experience scientifically designed to bring the brain to a state of pure happiness. By combining sophisticated arrangements, ambient textures, aggressive dynamics, and infectious melodies with binaural brain wave technology, a new medium is born. JOLLY's latest release, The Audio Guide to Happiness (Part 1), is a self-reflective sonic journey scientifically tailored to guide the listener through the strata of his/her own emotional make-up. The listener is subjected to musical mood dynamics and key lyrical triggers while the brain is fed corresponding binaural tones. These tones are carefully and deliberately interwoven within the music to support all appropriate peaks and valleys throughout the experience."

I feel that it's no different than when someone says how dark chocolate is a miracle food because it fights heart disease, is loaded with antioxidants, and gives you longer life. Such claims may have some small basis, but to claim that the difference is actually noticeable is dubious.

However, much of this could definitely be mental that some people are feeling. After such buildup about the relaxing sound waves, one's mind will exaggerate what it feels and create a stronger reaction in the listener. Whatever the band's opinion is, I don't think heavy rock is generally listened to for deep relaxation.

Overall, the album is by no means essential, and its primary appeal is with the creative recording processes used.

Rating: 5/10