This past week, Australian indie-pop/rock sensations The Rions dropped their much-anticipated second EP, Happiness in a Place It Shouldn’t Be. The six-track offering arrives just in time for summer, destined to carry on the breeze and dominate airwaves all season long. It’s an energetic, heart-filled collection of groovers, set to become the soundtrack of festivals across the country—and surely soon, the world.
Track by Track: Happiness in a Place it Shouldn’t Be
“Sweet Cocoon”
The chart-topping anthem “Sweet Cocoon”, which soared to #1 on triple j’s Most Played Tracks, kicks open the EP with The Rions’ signature radio-ready buzz of breezy rock guitars and an undeniable ear for melody. This infectious opener carries a subtle bitterness in its lyrics, making it a self-assured banger that captures the cruisy, head-nodding goodness the band are patenting. With a chorus that hooks you on the first listen and a vibe tailor-made for backyard Hottest 100 parties, “Sweet Cocoon” is a stellar way to kick things off.
“Passionfruit”
‘Passionfruit’ follows with a thumping drum beat courtesy of Tom Partington and the introspective opening lines, “I had my doubts, I’m going with the motions,” capturing the push-and-pull of love and friendship. The band effortlessly delivers a catchy, pop-rock melody that builds toward a soaring chorus, echoing the song’s title. Co-written with frequent collaborator Chris Collins (Matt Corby, Skegss, Middle Kids), the track takes subtle cues from The Killers, yet swims in its own stream. The production strikes a perfect balance too—large and energetic without overwhelming or getting messy, allowing the vocals and song writing to shine.
“Friend”
“Friend” takes a sharp turn into unexpected territory, trading the upbeat energy for a slide guitar-filled country ballad. This change of pace adds surprising depth to both the track and the EP as a whole. On the surface, “Friend” might seem like an outlier, but it fits right in, offering a perfect showcase for Noah Blockley’s vocal range and lyrical flexibility. The country-tinged sound is a welcome detour, proving The Rions are capable genre chameleons. It’s also a surprising risk that pays off, and one I wish the jangly Fender guitar bearing, surf rock indie bands would try to take more often.
With lines like “And I’ll love you softly / But I’ll love you as a friend,” the emotional core of the track shines through, though its dreamy wanderings could have benefitted from a tighter structure. Still, if you’re willing to go along for the ride, it’s a satisfying one.
“Time Will Try”
Following “Friend”, “Time Will Try” returns the EP to more familiar territory, blending tender vocals with soft acoustic guitars, complemented by beautifully crunchy lead and rhythm work from Harley Wilson and Asher McLean. The song explores the drifting nature of relationships and friendships, carried by a haunting melody that keeps you hooked. Clocking in as one of the longer songs on the EP, “Time Will Try” never drags, thanks to the band’s melodic instincts. However, the chorus feels like it circles the drain of something truly cathartic but never quite reaches its full potential, leaving you craving just a little more payoff.
“Physical Medicine”
Opening with soft piano and orchestral strings, ‘Physical Medicine’ evolves into a bass-driven dance anthem, drenched in the shimmer of ’80s synth-pop. The track marries driving basslines and orchestral flourishes, resulting in a pop gem that defies its darker themes of heartache and emotional conflict. As the band explains, “Love is at its best when it has the freedom to flourish and persist out in the open… But sometimes, love is found at the expense of another… It’s about the guilt of giving into a forbidden love, but giving into it all the same.” This infectious pop anthem provides a welcome shot of energy as the EP heads toward its conclusion.
“The Part”
Bringing the EP to a close, ‘The Part” consolidates the best elements of the previous tracks into a touching finale. Feeling like a mixture of fellow countryman Vance Joy and international ballad maker Lewis Capaldi, the piano ballad brims with vulnerability, tight song writing and deft melody making. Lines like “In all my years, you think I’d grow some self-esteem,” hit hard alongside Blockley’s most powerful delivery so far.
Final Thoughts
Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be is ultimately more than just a collection of summer anthems, even if that’s a perfectly reasonable claim. But it’s also a statement of intent from a band that’s willing to step outside expectations, and exceed them simultaneously.
While the EP delivers plenty of upbeat, festival-ready tunes, its also introspective, emotionally charged, and showcases The Rions’ evolving range and experimentation. Whether it’s the country twang of “Friend” the anthemic build of “Time Will Try”, or the glossy synths of “Physical Medicine”, The Rions navigate a variety of styles without losing their distinct sound, and it rocks.
The Rions may have found Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be, but they’re certainly right where they’re meant to be.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be is out now. Grab it HERE
