Happy Madness is Frenchy & The Punk's most sonically adventurous album to date. Where other releases, under the name Gypsy Nomads, had a sparse yet intense vibe, Madness pumps up the duo's volume until guitars and vocals overmodulate to perfection. It’s evident from the opening bars of “Make Out” that Frenchy & The Punk have new fire in their belly. Their European cabaret has the extra burr of steampunk riding their riffs. “Magician and the Dancer” marches to victory. “Extra Extra” plays out like a Brecht-Weill drinking song. “Yes! I’m French” is a personal sea chantey from singer Samantha Stephenson, whose European heritage has raised a few eyebrows in the U.S.A. The tough ramp-up of “Vaudeville Voodoo” makes for a grand celebration. The percussion has extra punch, and Scott Helland’s guitar work mirrors his punk roots (he was a member of the legendary '80s punk group Deep Wound, with Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis and Lou Barlow). Helland turns dark and psychedelic for “Happy Madness,” while the duo finds true gentleness with “Marionette.” A career high point.