Review : David Quinn
Phot’s : Kieran Frost
Expectations were high as I anxiously awaited what many regard as the “next big thing”, a future containing much shoulder rubbing with Arcade Fire, Editors and the like.
The Crowd began to form to the tune of support act Our Little Secrets’ Ryan Adams style folk rock (in the acoustic element) and were successful in generating a cheerful anticipation for the headliners. Stand out tune “Daylight” shows promise for the debut album, released on May 7th.
In the wait between acts I got chatting to an off duty Police Officer (no names, sorry) who stated that he follows The Joy Formidable almost religiously and has seen them live five or six times already. Granted this was just one fan, but if the general consensus is even half the dedication, I was sure to be in for a treat. And what a treat it was.
Sudden shuddering guitar reverb immediately enveloped the room before evolving into their opening track “While the Flies”. The beautiful Ritzy and Co were in their element and once content with the full and undivided attention of the room, (along with a brief introduction) busted out three of the best with the much loved “Cradle”, followed by the ever present live medley of “Ostrich/Austere”. The crowd needed a breather by the end, although they probably didn’t want one. Things chilled out for while with some mellow indie pop in the form of “greyhounds in the Slips” and “The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade”, which had elements of Arcade fire and more modern moods like that of The Temper Trap. Then came some new material, “Popinjay”, with quality that reduced my vocabulary to simply describe it as A PROPER CHOON! Finally, after some more adorable chit chat from the band, they kicked into their closer. Clearly a fan favourite, “Whirring” was the perfect way to end the show, pleasing the masses with the fantastic performance they all came to see, and in some circumstances, chased from venue to venue.
While this writers mind was instantly made up about not only the growing potential of The Joy Formidable – but the already cemented popularity and dimensions to their music – they further impressed with a humble final display of post-gig mingling with those who came to rock.
A pleasure from beginning to end.
