Singer Laura Hillman with her head in her hands in front of a garage door, the entire photo washed out in purple.

Less Than Happy

STATE4

01 Rain 4:05

02 I Don't Need Love 4:12

03 Shadows 5:26

04 Deliciously Evil 5:35

05 Gently 4:42

06 Vengence 4:46

07 Dark Blue Orange 4:35

08 Never Say 7:04

09 Duality 4:25

10 Ultimate Sorrow 5:16

11 Virgin Suicide 4:43

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Released August 2002

Less Than Happy, the second major release by STATE4, is a first for the band -- not a single instrumental song in sight. Laura Hillman's powerful yet sweet voice has taken over STATE4's sound, refined it, and brought it to another level. Built around the diva's voice are a collection of songs that range from dangerously up-tempo and catchy to distant and emotional to grinding and sexual. Co-produced by Nick Mitchell and Andy Davies, Less Than Happy represents the peak of STATE4's music and sound.

The Minneapolis trio draws from a mixed bag of musical influences. From trip-hop to instrumental, to rock to pop, from electronica to industrial, STATE4's refreshing "new" sound borrows from several genres, yet adheres to none. The end result: a sonic blend of electronica and rock presented with a trip-hop vibe. Brought together with a distinct style and an eye to strong and "approachable" songwriting, the band's diverse music is enjoyed by an equally diverse audience. Not merely limited to the studio, the members of STATE4 also pride themselves on their high-energy stage performance, breathing life and passion into their music.