South Coast Entertainment The Joy Formidable Review

Having appeared at the Reading, Leeds & Latitude festivals over the summer months last year, Joy Formidable convene at the recently relocated Unit in Southampton. As touring as support for newly recognised indie chart band White Lies suggests, they are not far away from being broadcast to the whole nation either.

Running through what felt like the quickest half hour set ever, the band manage to cram in more musical entertainment than alot of bands would given an hour. The sheer standard of songs both in delivery, catchiness & musicianship ranks up there with the top established bands. 'Cradle' displays both the sing along aspects and the rocking out element Joy Formidable are capable of. The crowd in this instance already looked won over. Every one in the room watched intently from the end of the song until the end of the set with the same intensity they would with their favourite band in front of them.

Ritzy displayed full control over singing, playing and manipulating the array of effects pedals at her disposal as the band bounced through tracks including 'The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade' and 'Whirring'. With the crowd so close to the band in the intimate setting at Unit, the atmosphere was electric as the band pounded through single 'Austere' to close the set.

Joy Formidable have a unique sound in this current day and age and could possibly be compared with bands from the past in the same mode as My Bloody Valentine. Its no surprise either that Howling Bells have asked them to tour with them on their upcoming stint around the UK.

But make no mistake, this is THEIR sound and in a few months time you'll probably be dancing to them because they ARE your favourite band. Watch this space....