THE JOY FORMIDABLE - AT THE BORDERLINE
June 10, 2009,
Written by Tim Boddy
Venue: The Borderline, London
Support Bands: The Joy Formidable, Kyte
Date: 08/06/09
‘They’ say that you should reserve your judgement until you have seen a band live in the flesh. This ‘They’, have a darn good point this time. The Joy Formidable, who I previously thought of as belonging in that 7/10 bracket – good quality indie and all that, but lacking that certain something to rise above that ascension point; though on the basis of this performance have clambered their way above and beyond this mark. In a typically packed Borderline, a disappointingly chilly summers night is forgotten due to the steaming temperatures inside, surely a contender for the most Sweat Produced Per Person (SPPP) at a gig ever.
Before JF are the dreamy Kyte, an East Midlands based foursome that have supported many an established act over the past couple of years. Such is the unadulterated mesmerisation achieved by Kyte over the audience, you feel they would be capable of brainwashing you to join their own cult; not that you would mind with music like this on their side. Ambient yet powerful enough - think of a subtle Sigur Ros (that would be Mum then), the delicate, whispering vocals of Nick Moon are simply lovely, and accompany the electronica of Kyte superbly. A sound reminiscent of Maps, if they were to float out to sea on a hot summers day.
On come The Joy Formidable; a polar opposite to Kyte, as The Borderline explodes to a chaotic mass of manic activity instantly. Lead vocalist Ritzy Bryan works the crowd effortlessly, audience and band on the same wavelength, feeding off one another. Cradle is a noise pop funfest, and latest single Whirring also gets a rapturous reception – both also showcasing a speedy shoe-gaze background noise which complements.
By the time these two have been blitzed through, the perspiring crowd are perhaps in need of a break, and get it somewhat in the shape of The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade. It shows a contrasting side, capable of something meatier, more epic; the equivalent of a towering, satisfying doorstop of a sandwich that takes time to eat vs a quick, cheeky slice of cheese on toast; sure, both tasty, but with different effects.
Give 'They' a listen next time. 'They' are sometimes right, The JF serving an enjoyable and energetic show, and with a little more consistency in their tracks, have the talent to become something quite seismic.
MP3: The Joy Formidable - Cradle
As a sidenote, this review is the first time here at The 405 a Sildeshow has been used. Do you like? Does it work? Prefer the old school style?
Share your opinions, as YOU make The 405 what it is!
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8 responses so far...
Oliver
Fuck yeah, this band are amazing!
72
Slide show looks awesome.
Review is awesome.
As for the band...still not convinced but willing to try again...
Ymmit
1) Thanks!
2) Thanks!
3) Yeah, not to everyone's taste, but I like them a shite more live than I did previously, as you can probably gather.
catshoe
Those photos are truly fabulous. I hope Matt (TJF drummer) sees them, I sometimes think he and Rhyds understandably get a teeny bit ignored given that Ritz has developed into such a fab front person. Great review, I've seen both bands albeit not at this gig or together. They were re-mixing each other's stuff a few months ago, so must get on OK. Cheers
Ymmit
Again, thankles, you're too kind! Yeah I have sympathy for drummers, as I used to be one... hidden at the back it can be hard to get noticed.
I would like to hear Kyte/JF remix stuff, do you know if any are 'out there'?
Jeff
fucking amazing band, all their tracks are superb, so not sure what you mean by consistency
love them
JJJJJJJJJJJJJ
Nick Moon is the Kyte vocalist, not Tom Lowe. Tom Lowe writes/arranges the music
Will - 09/09/10
Now that's reflection! /\ [view article]
Kevin - 08/09/10
OH MY GOD HE HAS A VAGINA ON HIS FACE [view article]
Matthew - 08/09/10
You missed the point methinks... Seriously, I thought comments were to provide reflection, opinion, and clarification on the article or topic in question. Instead I get a throwaway! [view article]
Rob - 08/09/10
Because Oliver gets sad when no one comments, and I felt like expressing my opinion re: stokeage for this book. [view article]
Matthew - 08/09/10
Then why bother to comment?? [view article]