Happyco. is a punk band based in Saigon that has steadily been building a reputation as one of the city’s most refreshing underground acts. With a sound rooted in hardcore and punk traditions but never afraid to experiment, the band has become known for energetic live shows and their ability to balance aggression with melody. Before “Displacement Over Time,” their catalog was limited to a single official release, “V/S/ON,” but live audiences were already familiar with much of the material that now appears on this EP. This debut collection captures everything that makes Happy.co distinct while still feeling familiar to anyone raised on the music of the 1980s and 1990s.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
The EP opens with a reworked version of “V/S/ON.” As the band’s first official single, it’s fitting to start here, and the remix highlights all of Happy.co’s trademarks: aggressive spoken-word passages, heavy guitar riffs, muscular basslines, and a dynamic structure full of rises and crashes. It serves as a mission statement for the entire release.
“Orobourus” follows and digs deeper into spoken-word territory, carrying a clear lyrical message. The verses are built on a slowly tightening riff that suddenly explodes into a crushing chorus, intensified further by the drumming. The track’s bridge offers a brief reprieve, with a melodic vocal line that carries both vulnerability and clarity, before the band slams back into its heaviest moment.
At under two minutes, “Birthday” functions almost like a skit. Mostly instrumental, it builds a mantra-like repetition that ends in violent growls and shouts. It feels deliberately placed in the middle of the tracklist, giving the listener a strange, chaotic “pause” before moving forward.
“Bajiquan Stance” shifts gears into hardcore territory. The song is straightforward, fast, and direct. A clear invitation to mosh and two-step when performed live. Its rawness contrasts sharply with the track that comes after.
Into The Mellow Territory
That contrast arrives with “Howl,” which slows the tempo and leans into a pop-punk sensibility. The vocal performance here is striking, ranging from delicate melodic phrasing to visceral delivery. So much so that one might question if it’s even the same vocalist. The emotional weight is undeniable, creating one of the EP’s most memorable moments.
“Grapefruit Flower” continues on this melodic streak. Built on a catchy guitar riff and a simple, driving rhythm, it feels reminiscent of a 1990s college movie soundtrack. Something you could imagine playing in a scene of youthful angst or house-party rebellion. Its accessibility makes it one of the easiest tracks to remember.
Closing track “One in the Morning” is perhaps the most emotional piece of the record. With ethereal guitar chords and a dreamlike atmosphere, it gradually eases listeners down from the intensity of the opening tracks. It’s a thoughtful way to end the EP, showing another dimension of the band’s songwriting and emotional range.
A Strong Debut for the Saigon Punk Scene
From start to finish, “Displacement Over Time” demonstrates a band with both vision and versatility. The production is sharp, the performances tight, and the arrangements consistently engaging. There are occasional slips in pronunciation and delivery, which is understandable given that English isn’t the band’s native language, but these moments are minor and don’t detract from the impact of the songs.
What makes “Displacement Over Time” stand out is its refusal to chase trends. In a scene where many bands gravitate toward what’s currently popular, Happy.co has instead embraced a style that they perform with conviction. Their influences are clear, echoes of punk and hardcore bands that had already peaked before Happy.co’s members were even born. But they channel them into something fresh for Vietnam’s alternative scene.
With “Displacement Over Time”, Happyco. have established themselves as one of the most original punk voices in Saigon today. It’s a debut release that feels both nostalgic and new, and it leaves plenty of room to anticipate where the band will go next.
Rating: 7.5/10
