Do Nothing - 'Happy Feet'
Do Nothing certainly do something with their new single ‘Happy Feet’.
The Do Nothing boys have left fans chomping at the bit for some new kitchen-sink lyricism and post-punk melodies since their 2021 EP Glueland, and this February they have delivered.
Despite the title, the song is not about the smash-hit film from your childhood, but instead about allowing yourself to sit idly for a while, to simply do nothing. In more personal terms for singer Chris Bailey, it is about his own struggle to record and write something meaningful and popular, and that it is acceptable to take your hands off the reins for a while. The frontman states that there is a “hair of difference’ between being in control, and chaos, and so you have to be kind to yourself.
In a more general sense, the motif of allowing yourself to take a breather seems to be targeted to society as a whole. Bailey reassures the listener to “not freak out if you don’t know what you’re doing” as neither does he. The message of this song is relatable, the lyrics sung from an analogist’s perspective, and there’s always room to read between the lines, a fantastic trope of this band.
The musicality of the song is less militant than their usual releases, with a more twee and acoustic feel to the single. It still has the trademark choppy riffs and hard-handed drumming, but with a more pastel and jig-like feel to the song. It is a pleasant demonstration of their musical capability, whilst employing components of their trademark sound.
In addition to the pertinent lyrics and softer sound, the music video is a great unveiling of the song’s meaning. It is unnerving and unornamented, with a black-comedy weaving through it. It is the perfect accompaniment to the track.
Words by Megan Budgen
