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REVIEW – The Joy Formidable are one of those bands that seem to live and die on each song. This is a band who pour every bit of emotion and pride into every lyric and moment. I discovered this band in 2008 with an album called, A Balloon Called moaning. From the first lyric of the opening track The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade to the closing moments of Ostrich, this album had me. Ritzy had such a haunting yet inviting vocal delivery that made the listener feel a chill of excitement. The band had this tight alternative feel that you knew you were listening to something truly unique. Each album and EP since has really showcased the growth this band seems to be directing itself towards. This is a band who make love to a guitar and use such a passion in the delivery of the vocals that you feel more of an orgasm of sound than anything else. Every time this band puts out an album, it is not just a new release…it is an epic moment. This is a band that has laid down a sound that cements the fact that this band is a serious musical threat. This new album is something I have to assume that I might have seen coming, but was shocked to get it. This is a band who seems to be pushing an urgency that critics for years may have been hoping to see more of. Their past releases to me have all been stunning to superb. AARTH, is by far their best album to date. What makes this album work so much is that they stuck to their guns. The guitar has been their calling card. They have always put an emphasis on the sound of a guitar and making it stand out to the point that this band can list it as a second vocal. The beauty of this album is that each song seems to represent a different mood or personality that the band was going thru while making this album.
Much like, My Bloody Valentine in their heyday, The Joy Formidable throw all the rules out the door and just create music that they like not what can get them popularity. “Cicada (Land on Your Back)” is a song that should be all over modern radio. This song is just insanely addictive. I love the statement that they make with this song. This song is just an insane mixture of modern fuzz rock, metal like guitars and some middle eastern elements. This song sounds like Siouxsie and the Banshees on an acid trip. “ Go Loving” is the signature guitar fury that we know from the band. This band throws so many different flavors at us, that we are excited as listeners to get the surprises. The Welsh-language opening to the funky danceable closing track, this album is a pop dream suicide. This is a band not afraid of growth and experimentation. I will say this is easily their biggest album to date. Each song showcases the journey they have been on for over a decade with this band. Much like The Duke Spirit, this is a band that seems to be forgotten once the reviews come out. That is a sad tragedy. This album is clearly a passion infused roller coaster ride that I feel fans of the band will enjoy. This is also a great door to open for new people to meet this band. This is clearly the best record in this genre since “ Last Splash” by The Breeders. This is clearly the album that 2018 has been waiting for.
Band Members:
Ritzy – Vocals / guitars
Rhydian – Bass
Matt – Drums