The Joy Formidable.. Live & Loud !!!!

You know both Sean and myself bang on about this great band over here in the UK. The Joy Formidable are without doubt my favourite live act right now, the energy and chemistry they exude on stage is second to none.

Even opening the bill for Editors at a sold out UEA in Norwich did not dampen the sheer power of them as a unit live. As good as Justin was on the drums, Matt seems to drive the whole thing along at a breakneck pace.

In fact the bigger the stage the more it seems to suit them, OK maybe I’m at an advantage knowing all the tracks….. I swear though, for me they completely stole the show once again. Editors were slick and delivered a great set but even Sparks did not move me in the way that Cradle blew my socks off.

Ritzy leads from the front with that driving guitar and edgy vocal delivery while Rhydian’s bass shakes you to the very core. Through all that they manage to deliver great harmonies and create this amazing wall of sound.

Chatting afterwards with Ritzy & Rhydian they gave me the exciting news that 2010 will see the release of a full-length album at last. Whether this is a self-released album or through a label remains to be seen. They have such a unique sound that deserves to be preserved without being polished and cleaned up by over production from a major label.

Through the rest of October you can catch them on tour with Passion Pit. Late November/December they are all over Europe with the excellent Temper Trap. The bands final headlining show of 2009 will be in my home city of Norwich at the fantastic Art Centre on December 11th. If you get the chance get along there this former Church has amazing acoustics. In the meantime go and grab a copy of the mini album A Balloon Called Moaning

The Joy Formidable – Greyhounds In The Slips

http://www.myspace.com/thejoyformidable

Tags: live shows, the joy formidable