Joyce Manor

3/5/2013

Joyce Manor are a punk band from Torrance, CA, who have released 2 albums in their short history, 2011's self-titled debut and 2012's Of All the Things I Will Soon Grow Tired. Both albums are filled with 2-minute-and-under blasts of punk, veering into hardcore and sometimes into pop, as the tracks are littered with hooks and generally about the banalities of life ("Constant Headache", "Leather Jacket", "Comfortable Clothes"). And they are awesome. I saw Joyce Manor live in Asbury Park, NJ, a few weeks ago -- their first time in NJ ever, they said -- when the young foursome were opening for Desaparecidos. Many in the crowd had heard of them before and maybe even came to the show just to see them, as a mosh pit formed for the opening act and people were singing along. I was pretty taken with the stage presence and energy of the band (and the crowd), even as I didn't know the songs. I've seen them twice since then opening for Desaparecidos and by the final time, I was a definite fan. I downloaded both their albums and kind of went crazy for them, for their inspired brand of throwback punk and the energetic phrasing and full-on hooks, particularly in standout songs "Derailed", "Beach Community" and the aforementioned "Constant Headache." I think their debut album is decidedly superior to their follow-up but in the concerts they played several "new" tracks that seemed pretty great so I can't wait to hear more from them. Anyway, if you're like me and always searching for new music from new bands that can inspire you, check out the boys from Joyce Manor. They fucking bring it. Mosh pit and all.