Stockholm Syndrome was never really meant to be a band. The songs were conceived in a mere three days, the roster developed out of a fantasy, and a month after the first tour, they had a debut album. Yet, Holy Happy Hour sounds like the work of a group that has been together for years.

The brainchild of Widespread Panic's Dave Schools and the Jackmormons' Jerry Joseph, Stockholm Syndrome was born because the duo was looking to have a little fun. They selected three dream bandmates to accompany them on a European tour and the chosen musicians just happened to oblige.

Never having shared a stage together, the new quintet headed into the studio after rehearsing for only two days and emerged with Holy Happy Hour.

The songwriting particularly stands out — mostly the craftsmanship of Joseph — on the half spoken-word, "White Dirt," and distorted "American Fork," both of which paint dark pictures of the current society we live in: "We raise our hands with our American forks/Our greedy little hands with our American forks/With an American slice/Of an American pie."

Accentuating their message with gritty guitar riffs, a soaring Hammond organ, pumping bass and even a little mandolin, Stockholm Syndrome brings in some pop and reggae-like influences, but stick most closely to good old classic rock. Added variance would be welcome — the sound gets a little tired after awhile — but these guys are just getting started.

Schools and Joseph named the band after the condition in which a hostage and kidnapper bond. If Stockholm Syndrome's goal is to take its listeners ears and bond it with its music, well, mission accomplished.

Grade: B