Zoon (Zoongide’ewin), the musical project of songwriter, composer, activist, and artist Daniel Monkman, has released their third album, Happy Thought School, via Paper Bag Records.
On this latest release, Monkman shifts toward a clearer blend of lo-fi guitar pop and alternative rock while still retaining the dreamy “moccasin-gaze” textures that have defined Zoon’s sound.
The album balances bright, pop-leaning melodies with themes of heartbreak, grief, racial trauma, healing, hope, and joy, creating a compelling contrast between light and darkness.
Inspired in part by Monkman’s experiences at the ironically named Happy Thought School in Manitoba, the record transforms painful memories into something uplifting and cathartic.
Songs such as “One Too Many Nights” and “I Was Younger” showcase a more accessible, melodic direction while maintaining the emotional depth and introspection that have become hallmarks of Zoon’s work.
Happy Thought School feels like a natural evolution from Zoon’s previous releases, embracing a more direct and pop-informed approach without sacrificing the project’s unique identity.
It’s an album that finds beauty in vulnerability, offering listeners a thoughtful journey through loss, resilience, and personal growth.
Happy Thought School gets: 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷/10.
Zoon – Happy Thought School [Streaming]
