The London-based The Joy Formidable’s sophomore release, Wolf’s Law, is a raucous and loud, but extremely well-developed, album that reaches into the depths of the band’s musical soul and cries out, “We are here, so pay attention!” It has been a long time coming for a band to reach back to their rock roots and produce a fantastic, balanced album that, not only makes a passionate statement, but can hold its own against anyone. With Mitzy Bryan at the helm on vocals and guitar, Rhydian Dafydd on bass and Matt Thomas holding down the percussion, The Joy Formidable has developed a creative and harmonious perfect storm.
While the majority of the album is rockin’ and fast paced, The Joy Formidable takes the time to slow things down a bit with a couple of acoustic ballads. Now, this does not mean that they take a break from making great, enthusiastic music, because in reality, “Silent Treatment” is one of the stars of the album.
The song merges Bryan’s rock-loving vocals and beautifully minimalistic acoustic guitar melodies with Dafydd’s laidback, calming bass line. The change of pace instrumentation on “Silent Treatment” subdues the highly emotional lyrics that conveys the struggle of wanting silence and reason instead of a heated, irrational argument, “I’ll take the easy cynicism/Less talking, more reason.”
The Joy Formidables’s Wolf’s Law is the most successful record that 2013 has offered thus far. Its poetic, energetic lyrics, smart, catchy melodies and lovely, striking balance between the hearty instrumentation and powerful vocals makes this record a must-have!
“Silent Treatment” by The Joy Formidable
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