The follow-up to the breakthrough Happy Madness, Hey Hey Cabaret continues the dynamic steampunk duo's shift into a touring troupe that uses the recording studio to bring out its best. Guitarist Scott Helland (who was a member of the legendary '80s punk group Deep Wound with Dinosaur Jr.'s J Mascis and Lou Barlow and Outpatients) particularly beefs up his sound. His acoustic power chords provide a punkish energy to tracks like "Silent Movie," "Steampunk Pixie," and "I'm Free." Vocalist Samantha Stephenson sings in a variety of voices that mock, sympathize, and tease the unusual circumstances the songs dictate. She writes with an eye and ear for humor, ensuring the songs' narratives never tire. "Confession of Jack Bonnie and Sally Clyde" dances on the head of a pin. "Birthday Fanfare" kicks up the duo's manic side. "Le chat noir," sung in French, notes that even if U.S. listeners have no idea what's being sung about, they can still feel the sounds.