I don’t post a lot of straight-up rock songs here anymore, mostly because nothing in the genre has inspired me enough to cover it of late. The Joy Formidable though, are a big exception. A North Wales trio of singer/guitarist Ritzy Bryan (Ritzy – what a name), bassist Rhydian Dafydd and drummer Matt Thomas who already have two long-form releases under the belt, their name was familiar but their music was not.
‘Popinjay’, the band’s new single reminds me of the thrill I received when I was first getting into music with The Ramones, Pixies, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Pretty Girls Make Graves (“Nothing else matters when I turn it up LOUD” – my emo moment), The Raveonettes, Pearl Jam, all that stuff.
The Joy Formidable released an 8-track EP called A Balloon Called Moaning which comes highly recommended from me. Look out for a new album later this year and better yet, the band play Cork on Thursday 27th May (Cyprus Avenue), Dublin on Friday 28th May (Academy 2 – €13.50) and Belfast on Saturday 29th May (Spring and Airbrake).
Expect to hear more from them as they signed to Passion Pit’s US label Black Bell Records as they tour the U.S. in the next month.
The Joy Formidable – ‘Whirring’
The Joy Formidable ‘The Greatest light is the greatest shade’
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
I really love this band. They are incredible live. Best drummer ive seen in years hands down. Plus shes kinda hot in a “ive got a massive zit in the middle of my forehead but i can play guitar like a man” way.
I love their song “While The Flies” but that’s the only one of theirs that’s grabbed me as being something different. Maybe I should take another listen.
Thanks! I’ll be heading to Cyprus Ave for that gig!