Album Review: MOVEMENTS - Happier Now
Words: Chloe Michelle Photo
★★★★☆
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Following the release of their utterly brilliant fourth album ‘Happier Now’ on 4th September 2026 via Fearless Records, Southern California's post-hardcore stalwarts MOVEMENTS are set to return to stages across the UK and Europe in 2027.
The shows will feature support from Gouge Away, with tickets going on general sale this Friday, 18th September.
Before the tickets go on sale, we listened to their new album in its entirety and are here to share our thoughts.
With their rich California accents in the punk/alt scene, ‘Happier Now’ is MOVEMENTS’ fourth album, released under Fearless Records. MOVEMENTS have been around for just over a decade and were signed to Fearless from the get-go.
Upon listening, the album discusses anxiety and the uncomfortable feeling around life, love and heartbreak. They have a similar sound to Mayday Parade and Neck Deep combined. They give a 00s pop punk/alternative vibe, which caters to all the emo kids that are still calling themselves emo kids.
I went through each track and pulled out lyrics that explained what I heard the best.
Pulse
“Is it worth it to keep searching for a pulse?”
“I swear I’m trying to change, but I put myself in the way every day.”
Dissolve Me
“I wish I had a little more patience with everything that’s on my mind.”
Everything is Fine
“You might find something someday.”
Happier Now
“Things went better in my mind.”
“What’s the point in getting better when the game is rigged?”
Flowerbed
“If you had a darkness growing in the garden.”
Back in My Ways
“Why should I complain when I’m standing in the light?”
Spellbound
Calm interlude between tracks…
Ill At Ease
“Nothing could replace this if I tried.”
“Maybe I’m not man enough to take these punches as they come.”
Live by the Sword
“Someday you’ll get what you give.”
“The way you justify the hate and deny the truth.”
“While you’re begging for forgiveness, just remember all the choices you have made.”
Everyone I’ve Ever Been
“You’re not the first to tell me I should be different. That’s what I’ve heard from myself for my entire existence.”
Fragile Hands
“I think it’s best if I leave.”
Separate
“Take your time; don’t fake it.”
“I gave all of me, nothing left to see.”
“Don’t bother leaving the light on. I won’t bother doing the same.”