**San Diego, CA –** Chaos erupted across multiple continents today as Branch’s experimental “Joyful Ruin” device, designed to amplify and weaponize musical emotion, spiraled out of control, causing widespread devastation and a startling shift in the landscape of the Trolls universe. Initial reports indicate the device, initially intended as a tool for resolving inter-genre conflicts, malfunctioned spectacularly, unleashing a torrent of amplified musical energy that transformed cities into vibrant, yet utterly unrecognizable, landscapes.

The incident began shortly after 10:00 AM PST at the Redwood Grove Research Facility in California. Witnesses – primarily Trolls from various musical genres – reported a sudden, intense surge of sound followed by a visible distortion of reality. Buildings began to morph into giant musical instruments, streets became rivers of shimmering glitter, and entire city blocks were overtaken by towering stacks of sheet music.

“It was…beautiful, in a terrifying sort of way,” recounted Pop Poppy, a leading figure in the Trolls United movement. “One minute I was arguing with Branch about the ethics of his invention, the next I was dodging a rogue tuba the size of a skyscraper. Honestly, I haven’t felt this emotionally overwhelmed since I accidentally downloaded a full opera.”

The immediate impact has been significant. The Funkville district of San Diego is now a swirling vortex of disco balls and pulsating bass lines. The Classical Quarter of Vienna has been entirely encased in a massive, shimmering harp. And reports are flooding in of similar transformations occurring in cities across the globe – from the Jazz Zone in New Orleans to the Heavy Metal Highlands of Scotland.

Authorities, primarily comprised of the Trolls United peacekeeping force, are struggling to contain the spread. “We’re working to dampen the harmonic resonance,” stated General Cooper, head of the Trolls United security detail, in a brief press conference. “But it’s proving incredibly difficult. The device seems to be…feeding on the very emotions it’s amplifying. It’s a feedback loop of pure, chaotic joy.”

Experts are speculating on the long-term implications. Some fear the device’s instability could permanently alter the musical landscape, while others believe it presents an opportunity for unprecedented artistic expression. “Look, this is a disaster, absolutely,” admitted Rock, a veteran of countless battles. “But… I gotta admit, that cascade of epic guitar riffs over the Eiffel Tower? Pretty spectacular.”

The situation remains fluid, and the world – quite literally – is listening.