Maybe it’s yet another creative surge in the scene, but our inbox has been absolutely spoiled for talent lately. One of my favorite submissions to come through is a band that goes by Jr. Joy. They’re an experimental music project with something of a revolving cast, but the core members consist of Tyler Born (vocals, keys), Jonny Collazo (drums), Stephen Meisel (bass), and Drew Vandiver (guitar, vocals). The group released their first single “Bitter Cologne” in late October, and it’s a jittery, tension-filled stunner.
Over the course of three dynamic minutes, the band splices together elements of off-kilter punk, post-hardcore, and jazz into a soundscape that’s darkly dramatic. There are sharp turns and smooth contours in equal measure, but what makes the track so enticing is the mix of barked screaming, spoken-word passages, and field recordings they use to fill in the vocals. You might think the changes in approach would be jarring, but each transition is nearly flawless. Better yet, Jr. Joy remains a mystery throughout, leaving wide open the question of where the group is headed next.
Listen below.
More Info
Web: nojoynorage.wordpress.com
Bandcamp: jrjoy.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @jrjoymusic
Instagram: @nojoynorage