Jack Jones (vocals), Ethan Ling (drums), Alex Couts (guitar/vocals), Lane Moore (guitar/ vocals) and Brian Patton (guitar/vocals/bassoon) are Joyd Parker. The band released a four-song EP The Joy of Loving which displays a young band with potential but also a very loose foundation on any particular direction in a number of ways.
The EP starts with “Hosanna” which sounds like nothing else on the EP. Jones sounds young in his mere inflection and also sings about situations that a younger person could relate to. Most of the lyrics reminded me of my years in college about twenty years ago. The song is comprised of a couple of major and minor chords and he sings about making out with girls at parties and a breakup with some added poetic twists. A good, cathcy song. The second song “Pale Blue Dream” felt a lot more intense emotionally. They add a very distinct post-rock element at times. I couldn’t make out almost all of the lyrics despite listening through numerous setups. The lyrics I could make out seemed to be far away from the more mundane and relatable actions he sings about on the opener. The chorus was catchy but could have done without the dramatic and angry metal type voice that interjects. This song in particular feels the most post-rock influenced. As far as post-rock goes I can’t say they are in the same league as heavyweights and legends like Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Explosions in the Sky or Do Make Say Think with this release but there were certainly some inspired and inventive moments. “I Wrote Haikus About Communism in Your Hotel Book (feat. Chris Bernstorf)” is another deviation in stye. The vocal delivery often felt hyperbolic. It feels so dramatic at times especially when the vocal delivery is angry. The whole song was a thin line of feeling overly melodramatic and trying to capture genuine emotion that in all honesty is something I think I would have been able to deal with a little better in my mid 20’s. To their credit there are some solid harmonies and general out of the box thinking of where a song can go. “We've Lost Our Kindness, We've Lost Our Soul” contains mostly a talking/singing type style over atmospheric music while the closer “All Joy” might be the highlight. “Joy” had a little more levity, some of the catchiest vocal melodies and some of the most inventive transitions. I felt like the band was taking themselves very seriously throughout the EP. I love EP’s that can attempt this and get away with it which this sometimes demonstrates. The band has some great ideas and there were times it all came together beautifully such as the last song “All Joy.” The EP is undeniable lo-fi and for as epic as they are trying to be this recording aesthetic can only go so far. I have worked with myriad bands who have wanted to get away from home recording and I have seen the songs reach their potential. I think that would be the next step and they should work with a producer/engineer who can create the similar sonic imprint when comparing songs, fix EQ, compression and balance issues and much more. Just by looking at how young the band is on their Bandcamp page I’d say they have all the time in the world to evolve and take it to the next level. I look forward to their next move and have a feeling it will be a big one. Take a listen.
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