Since their formation in 2016, New Jersey-born band  The Happy Fits have established themselves as one of the most refreshing acts in the indie rock scene with their first three albums: Concentrate (2018), What Could Be Better (2020), and Under The Shade of Green (2022), fronted by the unique use of an electric cello lead. However, within the last year, the band has been through a whirlwind of experiences – from lineup changes, to getting sober, to ending long-term relationships. What could’ve been the breaking point for any band was instead poured into the making of their fourth album, Lovesick, a testament to love and loss.

Pushing through uncertainty and transitions, the new record marks a rebranding and a turning point for the band. In honor of the album, The Happy Fits have embarked on a tour stretching across four months, eleven countries, and fifty shows. As they reach the home stretch and final month of tour, The Happy Fits in Cleveland to a light snowfall, the House of Blues providing a night of warmth and light amidst the cold. Joined by Double Standard and Phoneboy, the lineup was indie rock perfection.

Originally beginning as a trio, The Happy Fits found themselves shuffling the lineup when a founding member departed the band in early 2024. Frontman Calvin Langman and drummer Luke Davis added guitarists Nico Rose and Raina Mullen into the mix, rounding out the trio into a quartet. The addition comes beneficial to both their live performances and the development of Lovesick. Every member of the band is a vocalist, but with the addition of two women and an extra guitar, the added harmonies and depth have only served to strengthen the original foundations. Langman is a charismatic frontman, his vocals melding beautifully with Rose and Mullen. Most notably, however, is the electric cello in his hands. His use of the instrument in an indie rock band seems unusual at first, but it has cemented itself into their signature sound, taking the lead almost like a bass riff in older tracks like “Heart of a Dancer” and “Mary.” With Lovesick, it becomes more of a collaborative effort, more layered into the music in a way that makes the four-piece seem like a full orchestra. 

The Happy Fits have always provided a unique juxtaposition in their music: classic indie rock instrumental paired with the orchestral elements of the cello, light and joyful soundtracks to anxious lyricism. Lovesick bares hearts on sleeves in a way that their previous releases shrouded behind optimism, allowing them to feel all the ups and downs that come with falling in love and the heartbreak that followed. The feelings explored in the album are felt just as deeply by the audience, where people of all ages have filled the floor of the House of Blues to dance along. The band has added an interactive feature as well, having previously asked the fans to leave them a voicemail about their lovesick woes for a chance to be featured in the show.

“Cleveland, are you lovesick?”

Rose asks the crowd, who answers with a resounding yes, “One of you is more lovesick than anyone else here.” A voice rings out over the crowd, telling them the story of how their husband left just before their one year anniversary, “but I hear you’re in a throuple now so . . . hope that’s going well.” This voicemail sets the tone for The Happy Fits’ performance: finding a little light in heartbreak. The highs and lows of love are laid out within the set, kicking off with upbeat new singles “Cruel Power” and “Everything You Do,” to the beautiful orchestral ballad of “I Could Stare at You for Hours.” The show tugs at the listener’s heartstrings, in a manner of both joy and sadness. 

The Happy Fits have cultivated such a warm and joyous space that even amongst their saddest of songs, they leave you feeling hopeful. Langman leaves the crowds with heartfelt parting words:

“If you feel even a little bit of love in this room I want you to take some for yourself, because you deserve to love yourself too, Cleveland.”