The Joy Formidable have been around for a couple of years now, releasing two singles and an album in 2008 (their debut single “Austere” (which a somewhat controversial video that was banned by YouTube) was followed by “My Beerdrunk Soul is Sadder Than a Hundred Dead Christmas Trees”, and their debut album “Balloon Called Moaning” was originally only released in Japan at the very end of 2008), three singles and a live album in 2009 (“Cradle”, “Whirring” and “Greyhounds In The Slips” were the singles with “First You Have To Get Mad” as the live album) and already this year have released another single (“Popinjay”) and are readying their debut album to be released on Black Bell Records, the record label started by Passion Pit synth guru Ayad Al Adhamy.
Formed in Wales by Ritzy Bryan and bassist Rhydian Dafydd, they relocated to Manchester and then London, recruiting Matt Thomas along the way. They picked up quite a bit of press with their first album, a short 8-song, dark and melodious venture, somewhat akin to Sonic Youth, The Raveonettes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The album may be short, but it most certainly leaves a mark, the deep and cutting bass lines rumble through your head as the vocals, guitar and drums resonate, rattle, and shake their way through your body giving you only one option.
Repeat.
Experience the formidable joy that is The Joy Formidable below. Three songs from their debut album (“The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade”, “Whirring”, and “The Last Drop”), a brand new song “Greyhounds In The Slips” and an awesome remix of “Whirring” by BRAHMS. Also watch their controversial video for “Austere” featuring a bunch of fans (male and female) having a wank off-camera, and the video for “Popinjay”.
Their second album has yet to be titled or given a release date but it shouldn’t be too much longer, but you can grab “Balloon Called Moaning” – Amazon – LP (Vinyl) | MP3
The Joy Formidable – “The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade”
The Joy Formidable – “Whirring”
The Joy Formidable – “The Last Drop”
The Joy Formidable – “Greyhounds In The Slips”
The Joy Formidable – “Whirring Remix by BRAHMS”
Keep up to date with The Joy Formidable – MySpace | Twitter | Facebook | Label (Black Bell)
