Customer Reviews

Balloon Called Moaning

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I will never understand how someone will give an album 4 stars and then basically say "Well it's ok if you like that sort of thing". I guess only in indie rock can we be so bored with are own music. The Joy Formidable is getting big is Europe and there is a reason why. This mini album is really tight and full of energy. The songs are really powerful in their lyrics and sound. One of the things that I love about the band is how the bass gets to carry much of the momentum. If you are getting into or have gotten into The Pains of Being Pure in Heart, The Horrors, The Big Pink etc then chances are you will like this. But I am willing to say of all these bands The J F could be the contender to step out and reach the unconverted. I am anxious to see.

The Joy Formidable's album is an absolute delight to listen to. I enjoyed every single one of their songs on this album. The only complaint I have against them is that there songa aren't that varied. But for a first album it is quite good.

I was turned onto The Joy Formidable by the guitarist from Mansun, Paul Ryder, who I believe had a hand in producing TJF. Signed up for their mailing list, got a free single (Greyhound in the Slips - AWESOME song!). Then I saw this up on amazon, and tried it out. Very cool! If you like the Raveonettes, you'll like this too - similar style, though this is a little more electronic, with faster beats. But has that same reverby female vox quality to it. Good stuff.

First thing is first; the album is solid. I'm very relieved when a band like this comes along and releases such a "replay value" type of an album. I say this because I've been seeing such a resurgence of the late 80's/early 90's style of shoegazer fuzzed out guitar melodies; and although initially it is pleasing, it usually turns into an overly produced squeaky clean background of what could have ended strongly, but instead dies with grace. THIS album on the other hand keeps their songs relatively short but chock full of a heavier, less timid guitar approach. This album deserves better than a 4 star, but I have this sinking feeling that their follow up album, if there will be one, might end up showing a less creative more stream lined guitar sound, and a less distinct singing style.

Summary: For a three piece they sound big- the music is fun while keeping some darker vibes lingering in the singing (almost a Siouxie Sioux style delivery at times) - and it's an indie band that has taken a direction that is beginning to bloom and doing it quite well for a new band falling into an increasingly saturated area of newer music.

See the direction? And do you like it?

The Joy Formidable is a great band so no complaints on that side. Although packaged well in a record shipper the LP was delivered with a noticeable warp once I opened the seal. My player is able to handle it and the songs all sound amazing but I wouldn't have expected a warped record when buying brand new.

I found this group on MySpace and Napster after seeing they are playing at the KEXP BBQ at Seattle Center on August 14th. A relatively new group, TJF has a sound I really enjoy. I look forward to more from these three as they are going places. Check them out; you won't be disappointed.

The Joy Formidable is an indie band through and through. They're right at home on any college radio station sounding like several bands you can't put your finger on. They're not really original by any means nowadays, but we like the genre, and they fit right in. You can't really tell what they're saying most of the time, but it's the music that really draws you in. Taking cues & mashing several new genres like noise rock, post-punk revival, indie pop & art rock, The Joy Formidable is like the female & Welsh version of Arcade Fire.

However, unoriginality is just one of the many struggles the band faces with this debut. First, some of the songs sound a little bit too safe, and songs like "9669" never really seem like they have a point. The 2nd problem is that when the band slows down from they're beginning bombastic sound, the album drags down a bit.

But overall, if you're a fan of the genre & you're looking for a band you can keep your eye on, check out The Joy Formidable and their Balloon Called Moaning.

Real Score: 3.5