Happy Tears by 49th & Main
Irish duo 49th & Main continue their streak of successes with the announcement of their debut album. Happy Tears is set for release via digital and vinyl on June 13th via Counter Records (Ninja Tune).
That constant duality - looking back while pushing forward - is at the heart of Happy Tears: the feeling of embracing the moment even as it slips away. Across 21 tracks, the album moves between euphoric highs and introspective lows, reflecting every facet of their sound. Capturing the rush of youth and the bittersweet awareness that nothing lasts forever, Happy Tears serves as a coming-of-age soundtrack - balancing reckless abandon with the quiet realisation that these are the moments we’ll one day long for.
I’ve always been plagued by nostalgia my whole life…
... At any one time, no matter how good things are going, I’ve always looked towards the past with envy. Even some of the worst times in my history I will look back upon fondly. I was watching the US Office recently, as one often does and a quote from Andy stuck with me. ..“I wish there was a way to know you’re in the good old days before you’ve actually left them.” We can all relate to this sentiment. (Ben)
However, Happy Tears is set to be their defining statement - a record that distills everything 49th & Main represent across 21 tracks. It captures the rush of live music and the catharsis of songwriting, channeling everything from the messy beauty of a night out to the pang of nostalgia in a familiar melody or the fleeting clarity of a sunrise after no sleep. Happy Tears is about chasing those moments and bottling them in music
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’. (Ben)
49th & Main have crafted an album that captures the pulse of indie-electronic music while crossing over into their plethora of sonic elements, writing their own playbook on success through artistic authenticity. From their audacious rise from Kilkenny to international acclaim, the duo has carved out an unconventional and inspiring path. Their blend of critically acclaimed live performances, specialist media support, viral streaming success, and a deep connection to the emotional currents of today’s youth has positioned them as a cultural phenomenon. 49th & Main are a story that demands the attention they are deservedly getting.
Tracklist
| 1. | Good Times | 3:26 |
| 2. | Welcome Aboard | 0:48 |
| 3. | 49th & Main & mustbejohn - Rewind | 3:04 |
| 4. | Possibly Hunger | 0:23 |
| 5. | Most Days (feat. Brandon Nembhard) | 2:55 |
| 6. | Happy Days | 3:47 |
| 7. | Can’t Walk Away (feat. A Little Sound) | 2:52 |
| 8. | Some Advice | 0:07 |
| 9. | Nothing Comes Close | 2:40 |
| 10. | 49th & Main x SHEE - Hold On | 2:19 |
| 11. | Feels Right | 4:34 |
| 12. | Roll Over | 0:31 |
| 13. | Glenmalure Blue | 3:13 |
| 14. | Distractions | 3:16 |
| 15. | Percontation | 0:17 |
| 16. | Mr Rain | 3:45 |
| 17. | Self Sabotage | 2:25 |
| 18. | Half Chance | 0:20 |
| 19. | Come Home | 3:36 |
| 20. | Ardbeg | 2:56 |
| 21. | Invictus | 1:01 |
Videos
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Hailing from the Irish town of Kilkenny, 49th & Main are an indie-pop duo consisting of producer Ben O’Sullivan and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Paddy King.