In "Happier," his latest single, Cambridge-based singer and songwriter Elliot Porter takes a daring artistic leap in sound and emotion to address a subject as challenging as addiction. But instead of soaking the song with gloom, Porter turns it into a surprisingly buoyant dance track, all vivid synth layers and pummeling electric guitars that point toward the light at the end of a long, long tunnel.
Based on a book about addiction, "Happier" is unafraid to pull the trigger. It plunges elbow-deep into the emotional wreckage of addiction where the term originates, with explicit reference to booze as well as other things like gambling and drugs. But what really propels this song is its baffling streak of optimism. Porter recasts the familiar tone of struggle songs while employing a brightness reflecting hope in recovery. The upbeat instrumentation uses a clever juxtaposition to the weighty subject matter, the kind of internal struggle that people often endure when moving on from toxic vices or perhaps relationships.
This song represents a transition for Porter, too. Best known for his acoustic-leaning style, which echoes some of his influences like Damien Rice and Glen Hansard, "Happier" explores a broader palette. Synths glittering across compound electric guitar lines give the song anthemic energy that still contains Porter's standard emotional depth. It's a gutsy move and a successful one. There's a genuine feeling of progression here, musically mirroring the coming-of-age themes at the narrative's core.
Porter belts out his lyrics with authority. His voice contains the exposure and resolve that comes with that kind of personal challenge, and you hear the turmoil of letting go and the quiet victory of reclaiming control. "Happier" is a statement of intent as the last single before his new EP. It implies that Porter is not only reflecting on life's more complicated truths but is prepared to transcend them and bring along anyone watching him.
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