Finn Wolfhard might be best known as that guy from that TV show, but he is no stranger to the world of music, having previously released records as part of the now defunct band Calpurnia, before going on to form The Aubreys with bandmate Malcolm Craig, with the duo releasing their dreamy indie-pop debut ‘Karaoke Alone’ back in 2021. But ‘Happy Birthday’ marks the Stranger Things star’s bow as a solo musician, showcasing his songwriting and a passion for creating music that is both fun and thoughtful.
Choose the Latter acts as the true opener and tone-setter for the album, turning up the volume after the sleepy title track, while Eat is a distorted, guitar-heavy track that leans hard into a mid-2000s indie-rock sound. It’s infectiously upbeat despite its lyrics being about Wolfhard’s struggles with anxiety, which often manifest in a loss of appetite.
Objection! is a lyrical standout, conjuring feelings of nostalgia and longing, its instrumental sounding like a not-so-distant relative of Pixies’ Here Comes Your Man. Everytown There’s a Darling, meanwhile, takes things into lo-fi territory in fine style.
It’s followed by the pensive Trailers After Dark. “You’re the one I see / Even with the lights out,” Wolfhard croons wistfully over the strums of an acoustic guitar, the lyrics and instrumental in tune with one another in a manner that’s more effective than anywhere else on ‘Happy Birthday’.
While the earlier portion of the album is energetic and rocking, the end of the is softer and more folksy. You is the closest thing to a ballad, where romantic strings accompany Wolfhard’s slightly strained vocals:“I don't have anything but you / I don't have everything, but you.”
‘Happy Birthday’ closes out with Wait, a simple song consisting of only a guitar and layered vocals. It’s a poignant capper that is true to the spirit of an album that embraces a DIY and, at times, unpolished sound. It’s apparent that this is the work of someone with a clear love for creating music, with that care often shining through on a very promising first outing.
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