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I have never been, and will never be, a one track consumer. I equate that to buying only the ear from one of Van Gogh’s self-portraits or just the arm of Michelangelo’s 'David'. It just does not seem right. The songs on an album are delicately mixed and painstakingly ordered with a hope, by some, that a visceral feeling will be had throughout the journey of an album. However, this is not always done successfully as songs get placed three tracks too soon, the wrong songs discarded as b-sides and some that simply interrupt the pace of the album.
But when an album works, it just does. One band I can confirm was successful at this, and to boot on their first full length album, was "The Joy Formidable." They are this week's “Music Monday”, and the band I wish to thank for unknowingly aiding in my writing.
My thanks centre mostly around “The Big Roar”, the 2011 debut album by “ The Joy Formidable ” and the fact it is another staple for listening to when I am writing. This three piece Welsh band is fronted by the breathtaking fire of Ritzy Bryan who rips through her strings and delivers strong, and at times, haunting vocals. Though the lead vocalist takes the burden as the face of most bands, the experimental base rhythms of Rhydian Dafydd and the wide eyed drumming of Matt Thomas are not to be ignored. The result, a true team of North Walian characters able to create an honest energy within their album and on stage. This is so refreshing when it seems to be lacking in so many other artists who live and die with a manufactured sound.
It is this energy that I feed off of when I write. However the pace at times so intense, I find it's not for every day writing. But if you are a person who creates, then you know when that extra push is needed, and this album delivers it. With tracks like “The Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie” and “Whirring”, it is very easy to get lost in the whaling guitar as I sit and write from the eyes of my protagonist. But to the bands credit, I am just as easily kept within character listening to the more experimental tracks such as “Maruyama” and the Rhydian vocal track “Llaw=Wall”.
With their music already so full of sincerity, it is a rush to watch their live show jam packed with pure electricity. They have no need for the flash of lights nor screens of distraction, as the band and their music are more than enough to keep you transfixed. With a new album in the works for later this year, this is one band you will want to have a listen to. Just make sure to turn it up.
If you like what you hear below, why not support the band and their music by visiting:
The Joy Formidable on Twitter U.S. Shop iTunes Europe Shop
If the music is already in your library, then visit Filmaid.org and support "World Refugee Day", something close to the bands heart.
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