It was two years ago that Victoria’s Hot Hot Heat splashed onto the international scene with Elevator. Their high-energy hybrid style, while not exactly innovative, capitalized on a rampant dance-rock movement and solidified their status as one of the trend’s leaders. Now in 2007, with their scene fading, HHH return with their long-delayed followup, Happiness Ltd.
    In their time off, the band solved a few of the problems that plagued their earlier releases. Vocalist Steve Bays is less nasal this time around, and the band seems more willing to pace themselves and resist the temptation to race through the whole album at breakneck speed.
    HHH doesn’t stray too far from their formula on Happiness, though the Killers-like “Let Me In” is definitely the most radio-ready song they’ve ever done, and they even manage to successfully channel a little B-52s attitude on “5 Times Out of 100.” The acoustic guitar-driven “Outta Heart” is unlike anything the band has ever done, and if nothing else, it’s comforting to know they’re able to step outside their comfort zone, even if it’s just slightly. Happiness Ltd is hardly a revelation but, like Elevator, it’s a fun and energetic album that keeps its momentum throughout.