Poor Rich Ones mine some rich pastures on this album. Their sound seems to exist at the convergence of R.E.M., Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. The songs, for the most part, are darkly exuberant flirtations aided by a small dose of icy, quasi-Chamber Pop ethics.

"Twins" and "Drown" exist in a pristine vacuum with wall of sound washes layered upon each other. Willy Marhaug's vocals recall the work of Placebo's Brian Moloko, with the range and emotion of Thom Yorke thrown in for good measure. Geneva and Kent are perhaps the closest reference points, and Poor Rich Ones are just as accomplished musically as either of those bands. It simply wouldn't be right not to mention all of the bands' influences and peers, because they aren't treading new ground here, and that can be a dangerous propostion for any young band. Just ask Alyssa Milano's old husband about that... But Poor Rich Ones have crafted such a supremely austere album that criticism becomes quite difficult.

Because Poor Rich Ones are from Norway, Happy Happy Happy can be seen as furthering the Scandanavian mastery of atmospherics found in the music of The Sugarcubes, Kent and of course Sigur Ros. "New Lullaby" is a carnival of introspection, as violins compete with electronics and brittle vocals for the crown of Prettiest Element in a Song. Producer Mark Trombino allows these excellent, emotional songs to create quite an impact: vocals soar up in the mix when they should, clean, acoustic guitars tug at your heartstrings and a broadly funereal atmosphere thrives at the edges of the slower songs. "Clumsy" sounds like so many of the other bands mentioned here, but like many of the songs, it takes off on new tangents; for one thing, the keyboards which echo "Strawberry Fields Forever" are a genius touch. It's one of those tracks that makes you swoon and nearly cry -- it's simply too beautiful to exist.

"Things To Say When You're Not Here" sounds like the closest thing to a full-on Murmur-era R.E.M./Radiohead collaboration. If nothing else is said about this immensely enjoyable song, Poor Rich Ones can be thanked for suggesting such a collaboration. The Kent comparison is perhaps most apt; anyone who enjoyed their Isola album will fall in love with Happy Happy Happy. There are so many shiny edges to grasp, and the entire album rings with a clarity of vision and delicate opulence.

Something magical is afoot in Scandanavia. Their music surpasses pretty much everything else out there. Poor Rich Ones are a worthy addition to the canon of pretty, emotional Scandinavian music. Every track is a touching, rich affair. You can bow at the feet of the Scandanavian countries now...but be sure to wipe away your tears of joy first.