Gig Review: Scrape the Skies: The Joy Formidable

The Joy Formidable, at Brighton Audio, June 11th 2009

At the feet of Ritzy Bryan, lead vocalist, guitarist and miniature wonder, lay twenty pedals. The girl wear’s cool like a comfortable pair of knickers.

For the most part Ritzy Formidable wore one facial expression. It said 'I am self-assured, serious, composed, intent, down-to-earth and friendly. Looking great just happens'. This is a rare combination for a singular face story. Ritzy commanded the show. Occasionally, a delight-filled smile broke through.

It all comes to this. A nerdy fascination with music and wired peripherals, hours and hours of practice, and an innate love: it all comes to this.

A group of fifteen-year-old boys crowded around me. Testosterone scented saliva wet their inner cheeks. It spread infectiously amongst them. With every outward breath or sentence, their communal feelings for the lead, whose boyfriend - Rhydian Dafydd - was on stage too, burgeoned.

Containment became futile. Hormones broke through the barriers, carrying the pubescent males in tow. Circling the source of their lust, a condensed gathering of happiness rose up and down. Ritzy looked at ease. She looked happy. This was the encore.

The songs: I am sure you can imagine. Think pedals and think sex. The songs filled the room with intensity, fuzz and throbbing.

The Joy Formidable followed two excellent support acts. The Lyrebirds boast an amazing vocalist, think Interpol, and clean cut The Welfare Mothers offered part polished tunes, with a dreamboat singer to boot.

Fabpants Recommends:
If you haven't already done so, you REALLY should watch the video banned by YouTube. It is for the song called Austere, which is a cracking pop gem. There is an official video, but this one's much more fun.

Download MP3: The Joy Formidable - Austere (theregoesthefear.com)



NEWSFLASH: The lovely people of Joy Formidable are offering a NEW free track via MySpace. It ends very happily in a fit of giggles.

Download MP3: The Joy Formidable - Greyhounds in the Slips