A couple of week's ago I played a track on my show from an impressive new U.K. band called The Joy Formidable. From the songs I have heard, they have a wide ranging sound. The song I played was an M83-styled song called "The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade" that has big spacey soundscapes, echoing vocals and lot of fuzzed out electronics.
Their big single in the U.K. now is something that's a little more in-your face. Called "Austere," it is a sexy post-punk, new wave rave-up with a thick baseline and buzzing guitar work. It's a damn fine song that has moments of chaos intermixed with lead singer Ritzy's vocals. Her voice kind of reminds me of Kim Deal's.
I think what makes this band work is that combination of those powerful, intense stretches where it seems that are pushing the limits of how far they can go and their sweet, dreamy and contemplative nature. Some tracks are just straight-up power pop tracks that can get the crowd going.
As for the band, they are three-piece formed by lead singer Ritzy and her boyfriend and bass player Rhydian in late 2007. Along with their drummer Justin, they are heading out on a U.K. tour with another hotly tipped U.K. act, White Lies.
In the meantime, check out their first video for "Austere."
I can just imagine how surpsired and happy you were when you saw Julien. I miss you guys. Wish to see you again. Will you come to Manila next year? I quit my job in Coke and I don't know where I will be in the first week of September. When will you go to Saudi Arabia?
Posted by: Larry | August 26, 2012 at 05:50 AM