The Joy Formidable makes waves in the music scene with their alternative, post-punk sound
The post-punk trio from North Wales, The Joy Formidable, have been slowly rising in the music world’s ranks with their gorgeous 90s garage, alternative sound since their origin in 2007. The band consists of old friends and bandmates singer/guitarist Ritzy Bryan, bassist Rhydian Dafydd and drummer Matt Thomas. I, honestly, ignored the buzz for a long time, dismissing the band as another trend that would eventually fade away. But, after watching their performance of “Whirring” on “Conan,” I realized that I was completely wrong.
Their new album, “The Big Roar,” was released in January and marks their full-length debut under Canvasback Music/Atlantic Records and everyone is taking notice. Music legend Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters tweeted that, “I would like to personally thank The Joy Formidable for writing the song of the year ‘Whirring’. xxx Dave.” Even Blink 182’s music guru, Mark Hoppus, has taken notice of the band, tweeting, “the new joy formidable album is far, far too good!!” and “My favorite song right now is Whirring by The Joy Formidable.”
The Joy Formidable’s road to success was not a straight shot. After playing gigs around London, they eventually generated enough buzz to land opening slots with Passion Pit and The Temper Trap and were the first band to sign to Black Bell Records, Ayad Al Adhamy of Passion Pit’s label, in 2010.
Their current tour is mostly comprised of dates in the U.K. and France, but they will be playing at Lollapalooza this August in Chicago, Illinois. If you prefer to watch bands in venues just give it a couple of months and they’ll be back, a band with this much hype cannot stay out of the state’s for long. Until then, tracks to check out are “Greyhounds in the Slips, “Austere” and “Whirring.”
