The Joy Formidable at The Cockpit - 6th Oct 2010

The stage setting gives little indication of the auditory attack that is about to happen when The Joy Formidable start their eagerly awaited set. A huge banner covers the whole of the back wall of the Cockpit Room 2 leaving no one in doubt of the main event for this evening. The stage is decorated with glowing orbs inside birdcages and creeping up the lead singers’ microphone stand and the crowed are piled into full capacity.

As the band take to the stage there is a huge cheer and moments into the first song the audience are energetically jumping along.

The music seems to be an amalgamation of several genres, most heavily though an old-school indie rock element. The opening segments draw similarities to drum and bass, normally a kind of dark twisted voice over and creepy sound effects. Then the guitar launches into Sonic Youth and The Pixies inspired melodies and remain constant throughout the set. The drummer is really going for it and at parts I am worried his sticks will break the drum skins as he gives them a battering.

The lead singer, Ritzy Bryan, has the look of Blondie, all peroxide hair, slender limbs and wanting eyes. Her voice has a strong resemblance to Karin Dreijer Anderson (the Lead Singer from electro pop band The Knife) and in parts you can hear echoes of Kate Bush.

The Joy Formidable seems to be going for a female lead Nirvana without the angst and suicidal tendencies. What the group lack in technical ability they make up for in performance, enthusiasm, and raw energy, giving a show that is lively, raucous at times and poundingly good fun. 

Published in Yorkshire Evening Post