The dynamic duo out of Kilkenny, Ireland 49th & Main have been on an unreal trajectory these last few years. From self-releasing their own music to selling out tours worldwide the two talents have captured the hearts and ears of many with their unique blend of indie-pop and electronic. Garnering 2.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, festival slots at Glastonbury and Electric Picnic, and a record deal with Ninja Tune’s Counter Records imprint, 49th & Main are soon to be a household name. Today the duo release their debut album, Happy Tears, where they embrace the rush of young adulthood and its fleeting moments and recognize that they (and we) are currently living in the good old days.
Happy Tears stands at an ambitious 21 tracks long, but much like the short careers of 49th & Main have gone, is a testament to their talent and enthusiasm as artists, and like the theme of the album shows their desire to make the most of the present. The album is authentic, unconventional, and just flat out awesome, with every track revolving around the theme of the bittersweet awareness of the present and embracing the highs and lows. The range they show is impressive as well, as certain tracks are simply indie tracks, and others are banging house tunes, and using their diversity in sound to keep a steady flow throughout the album.
Happy Tears starts out strong with “Good Times,” an emotionally charged number with lush melodies and vocals gliding over a lo-fi influenced house beat. As the album moves along “Most Days” is a straight up indie record with its organic instrumentation and a dash of hip-hop with London-based rapper Brandon Nembhard adding some bars. “Nothing Come Close” marks the album moving into its next wave of emotion and vibes as a euphoric UKG track. Previously released “Mr. Rain” marks the beginning of the final arc in the album as a palette cleanser with its unmatched energy and soaring energy. “Come Home” marks the final chapter as the third to last track and will surely be a singalong at their future shows. A little love song never hurt anyone.
On the album, Ben O’Sullivan of 49th & Main shared this quote:
“Lately I’ve been attempting to realise that I will 100% look back upon this present time in my life and want it back. In actively doing this I have been brought to tears a few times. Happy tears. Just from trying to appreciate where I am. Yeah so that’s basically the idea I’d like to embody with this project. Finding beauty in the small details of life. Coming to terms with the fact that the operatively named ‘present’ is the most valuable and important thing there is. We are currently in the ‘good old days’”
Stream Happy Tears below and enjoy!