This came out in 2001 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
From Travis to Coldplay, the alternative rock ranks are swollen with mopey, sensitive lads. Norwegian soft boys Poor Rich Ones are the latest trio who seem to spend their days sitting in their windows, staring out at the rain while strumming a guitar and voicing their despair in a yearning falsetto.
Thankfully, these guys also have more of a rebellious streak than those other acts. Or at least a better record collection. Behind, beneath and between the melancholy melodies and sombre tones of Happy Happy Happy’s many ballads lurk proggy overtones, trippy textures, dreamy synthesizers and even the occasional electrifying guitar licks that give the whole affair a Yes-meets-Radiohead cast. It never quite rises to the level of happy happy happy, but at least it isn’t totally sappy sappy sappy.
