Listen to JOY IN BLUE
Joy in Blue formed last year. And that alone should be reason enough to give them a chance- finding like-minded musicians, starting a new band, and devoting time and energy to writing, practicing, and recording your first demos can be hard enough at the best of times, let alone in the middle of a pandemic.
The Portsmouth four-piece don’t need to rely on goodwill though. Frontman Ben Turley, drummer Will Gibson, bassist Charlie Howson, and guitarist Zach Reynolds seem to have arrived fully-formed.
In places they remind me of slick post-hardcore of the early 2000s but there’s vital variety and originality in the mix too- hints of indie rock, second wave emo, and grungy melodies.
The band’s latest single, ‘Sunflower’, is the best thing they’ve done so far. It’s rough around the edges in just the right way but features really crisp drumming, locked-in chemistry, and an unashamedly catchy chorus, and it ends with a satisfying, authentic roar.
Joy In Blue’s debut gig was cancelled by the UK’s first lockdown. But based on their progress so far, the band will be booking headline tours by August.
For fans of Silverstein, Saosin, and Balance and Composure.