DISCOVER DUBINSKI: THE BROTHERHOOD BEHIND THE EXPLOSIVE NEW ALBUM ‘WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF HAPPINESS?’
If you haven’t heard of Dubinski yet, prepare to meet your new favorite band. Comprised of four brothers—the Gaine brothers, to be exact—Eugene, Fergus, Donal, and Eoin—Dubinski's name is a tribute to their mother’s maiden name, a poignant detail as she passed away just as the band was about to sign their record deal. "It’s special to see mum’s name on our posters,” says Eugene. “She was always proud of us, and we want to make her prouder.”
With their second album ‘What Is Your Definition of Happiness?’, recorded at Echo Zoo Studio with Grammy-winning producers Mike Horner and Robbie Nelson, the band has expanded their sound into bold new territories. Following the success of their 2022 debut, the album features 12 tracks that blend influences from various genres, incorporating synth-driven anthems, expansive soundscapes, and the band’s signature style. The result is a dynamic, emotionally resonant collection that showcases the evolution of Dubinski, as they carve their own unique path in the indie rock scene.
The album kicks off with an absolute banger, “Downtown Operation.” It opens with a thought-provoking question: “What is your definition of happiness?”—which also happens to be the album’s title. These simple yet profound words immediately draw the listener in, setting the stage for what’s to come. Moments later, the track bursts to life with a shimmering synth arpeggiator, soon joined by a lush tapestry of guitars and deep, driving beats. The sound is both airy and exhilarating, with an underlying sense of command that propels the energy forward. It’s the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable summer—imagine yourself behind the wheel of a 1980s Ferrari, winding through the curvy roads of Austria under the golden sun. This is the anthem for that journey.
“Psychical Scars” starts with a talkative guitar, layered effects, and an almost magical aura. Moments later, a wildly expressive vocal bursts in, showcasing impressive range and a grin-inducing falsetto. Imagine Justin Hawkins of The Darkness and Pete Doherty of The Libertines linking up over a few pints, then channeling that energy into a rapturous sonic explosion—yeah, that’s this song. One standout moment is the bridge, where everything slows down and unravels before surging back into a thunderous chorus, complete with soaring crescendos and a trailing vocal track that lingers long after the final note.
The album takes a moment to breathe with “What’s Even Normal,” a track that blends dreamy shoegaze textures with a punchy ‘80s electro. Ethereal yet driving, it immerses the listener in waves of atmospheric synths and reverb-soaked guitars. The song’s title, “What’s Even Normal,” is repeated like a mantra, subtly nudging the listener to reflect on the question. As the track unfolds, it gathers momentum, swelling into a powerful crescendo where the entire band joins in, belting out the chorus with unrestrained passion. It’s the kind of moment that sends shivers down your spine and raises every hair on your arms. If you’re a fan of Enter Shikari, this track will feel like home—melding introspection with anthemic intensity, all while keeping you locked into its hypnotic groove.
“Action Comes To Town” opens with a lofty synth, setting an almost cinematic tone before a crisp, deliciously simple drum beat kicks in. It’s a track that doesn’t just ask for attention—it demands it. The lyrics, “Nobody there when you’re smashing glasses. No one spare when the action comes to town,” immediately signal that this isn’t just another song—it’s a statement. Bold, politically charged, and unflinching, the track pulses with an urgent energy that urges the listener to wake up, rise up, and take action. As the song progresses, its intensity builds, layered with commanding vocals and driving instrumentation that feels like a rallying cry. The bridge, in particular, is phenomenally executed, swelling into a moment that practically begs you to throw your fist in the air and join in. When the voices unite for the powerful refrain, “When the action fuels a reaction, when the action, action comes to town,” it cements itself as an anthem for resistance, movement, and change. It’s more than just a song—it’s a call to arms, a reminder that when the world stirs, you have a choice: stand by or stand up.
“Feel It” is a pure, unrelenting rock track from start to finish—the kind of song that kicks the door down and demands movement the moment it starts. With hard-hitting drums, razor-sharp guitars, and a thunderous bassline, it’s built to make you sweat, even if you’re just listening through headphones. The energy is raw, urgent, and impossible to ignore. Close your eyes, and you’ll find yourself transported to a dimly lit, sweat-drenched club in London or NYC, where the walls are covered in band stickers, the air is thick with the scent of spilled beer, and rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia lingers like electricity. It’s the sound of reckless abandon, of bodies colliding in the pit, of music that makes you feel alive.
“New York, Arizona, and This” slows things down again, offering a moment of introspection amidst the album’s energy. The track opens with a cascade of “Oooos” layered over a slow, deliberate drum beat, immediately setting a moody, dreamlike tone. The lyrics unfold like a travelogue of longing, culminating in the refrain: "I wonder how it fares with Paris, New York, Arizona, and this, and one day I’ll be there, and you will care. You will care." There’s a sense of movement within the song—both literal and emotional—as it takes the listener from Paris to New York, Arizona, and even Camden Town in London. The repeated insistence of “you will care” suggests an underlying defiance, as if the song attempts to prove someone wrong or make them see what they once overlooked.
“Something About You” adds a fresh dimension to an already well-rounded album, infusing a touch of funk with a nostalgic nod to new wave. Airy guitar riffs dance alongside sharp, well-crafted lyrics, creating a groove that feels both familiar and refreshing. A female vocal appears sporadically throughout the track, adding an extra layer of texture and intrigue. The song also carries a modern, genre-blurring quality, reminiscent of artists like Joywave or iDKHOW, seamlessly blending indie, electronic, and alternative influences. Yet another standout moment on the album, “Something About You” proves the band’s ability to evolve while keeping their sound undeniably engaging.
“Homesick” ramps up the tempo, infusing the album with a burst of fresh energy. The song vividly captures the essence of life on the road, with lyrics like “Düsseldorf one night, Hamburg two” hooking the listener right away, complemented by an irresistibly catchy chorus. Lead singer Eugene Gaine expertly crafts lyrics that feel immersive and transportive, making the listener feel like they’re right there on the journey. At the song’s core, powerful electric guitars take center stage, propelling the momentum with electrifying intensity. If this track doesn’t make you crave a cold beer and a hearty sausage, you might want to check your pulse.
Kicking off with delicate acoustic guitar and ethereal synths, “Making Luck” slows the tempo, opening the floodgates to raw emotion. This breathtaking track delves into love and admiration for another, with Eugene Gaine’s powerful bravado shining through in every note. His vocals carry a depth of feeling that elevates the song to something truly special.
“Mistaken for Trouble” introduces a vibrant brass section, which may be synth-driven, but it doesn’t take away from the track’s playful energy. It infuses the album with a contagious rhythm that will have your toes tapping and your body swaying. A commanding bass propels the song forward, while layers of deep, rich guitar add both depth and groove to the lively atmosphere.
“Big As You” takes its time to build, but that’s part of its charm. The track feels like it’s transporting you into a NASA simulation, with vast, expansive sounds that create an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s the perfect soundtrack for stargazing, especially if you happen to be under the influence of a hallucinogenic.
“Safety In The Comfort Zone” brings back the warmth of acoustic guitar, with Eugene’s voice drenched in rich reverb. The track features a playful, watery guitar that flows throughout, adding texture and depth. It’s a standout song with a perfect tempo to close out an album that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best of the year.
In conclusion, ‘What Is Your Definition of Happiness?’ represents an exciting evolution for Dubinski, highlighting their growth and musical ambition. The album effortlessly blends a diverse range of sounds, from expansive synth-driven anthems to introspective acoustic ballads, all while staying true to the band’s distinctive style. Within the 12 track LP, Dubinski pushes boundaries, blending influences from various genres to create a sound that is uniquely their own. The Gaine brothers have crafted a collection that is both dynamic and emotionally resonant, merging introspection with anthemic power. As the album closes with the standout track “Safety in the Comfort Zone,” it’s clear that Dubinski is not just a band to watch—they’re here to stay. This album will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the year’s finest indie rock achievements, capturing the essence of what makes music so powerful: its ability to move, inspire, and connect, as well as the unbreakable power of brotherhood.