Lubjan

Lubjan formed in 2003 as a quartet with Matthew Sweet on vocals and guitar, Rich Morel on bass, Jeff Russell on drums, and keyboardist Jeff Coleman. They released a self-titled EP that year, followed by their debut album 'The Long and Short of It' in 2005. That album included 'Almost Happy,' which became their most recognizable song, along with tracks like 'The Sun' and 'So Far Away.'

In 2005, Coleman died in a car accident. The band continued, releasing a second album called 'Time Heals All Wounds' in 2008. That record showed them moving toward a more experimental sound, though it didn't reach the same commercial level as their first. Other songs from their catalog include 'Eve Of War,' 'I Lose My Way,' 'Sara's Song,' and 'September 94.'

Some critics took issue with the lyrics of 'Almost Happy' when it came out, calling them fatalistic. The band pushed back, saying the song was just reflecting real experience. They never became a mainstream act, but their music found listeners who connected with its quieter, more introspective tone.