The Joy Formidable – A Balloon Called Moaning
The Joy Formidable have finally released their debut mini album and we can all finally stop listening to “Cradle” on on-repeat as we now have 7 more tracks to obsess over. The releases were limited to 500 copies which, is a same as this going to sell out fast as this is a special record. The band manages to show a lot of their range in just the first three songs. “The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade” flexes their epic muscles. The track is a big, noisy and dense and it is what post-rock would sound like if they ever went pop. The perfect marriage of beautiful noises and vocals. Then you are treated to the delightful pop musings of “Cradle.” There is something about this track that no matter how many times you listen it still resonates with you. I must have listened to this track every day for the last month and half and I still adore it. Just a word of warning it is that catchy. “Austere” starts off with that sultry bass and that background howling that just lures you in for the adventure. “9669” is the standard acoustic track but it elevates it to another level. The tension between Ritzy and Rhydian’s vocals are worth the price of admission alone but the song comes out very moody and moving. For a young band these tracks have a nice touch of polish to them. They are wise beyond their years and this record will make The Joy Formidable open up a lot of noises this year.
