Ahead of her first show of the year as part of Fresh Fest at Knucklehead Hollywood in LA on Feb. 8, LA-based pop-punk artist Chloe Star wraps up the last part of her heartbreak trilogy with the single “Happy Place.”
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Based on the title alone, “Happy Place” bears a resemblance to Star’s previous single, “Found My Peace,” with hints of the angst in “Fool.” “I tell a story with these 3 songs — the heartbreak, the awakening, and the release,” Chloe said. Naturally, “Happy Place” is the most positive of the three, reveling in the lush yet thundering instrumentation as the lyrics speak of discovering peace within oneself as if for the first time.
While “Found My Peace” tore down the anguish on “Fool” with unrelenting rock guitars that could cut through metal, “Happy Place” takes on a more optimistic worldview, supported by shimmering synths in the first half. However, Chloe hasn’t lost any of the intensity heard in the other singles, instead singing from a healing heart rather than a broken one.
Her confessional and confrontational approach to songwriting also shines, admitting “On Saturdays, I misbehave” and “Been damaged goods since 17” in the verses. True to the song’s name, she looks past those faults and proudly takes on a sunnier outlook than before. The thrashing of the drums during the chorus helps tie everything together, making Chloe’s testament to maintaining happiness a roaring anthem that others healing from heartbreak could follow.
The more than personal lyrics set Chloe apart from other pop-punk artists, a genre that’s enjoyed a sudden influx within alt-rock and mainstream pop music. Lines like “Us native girls up in the hills / Just throwing dice, yeah, I throw ‘em just for thrills” also serve as a reminder of her unique background and why she’s a singular, dynamic voice who’s as confident as she is comfortable in her material.
“‘Happy Place’ is about that feeling of relief that you experience when you finally feel comfortable being on your own,” Chloe said. “That’s ‘Happy Place.’”
Words: David Sosa
“Happy Place” by Chloe Star is out on streaming services. For more on new music and live shows, including her LA date at Knucklehead Hollywood on Feb. 8, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
