Joyfriend is a project led by Tommy Russell. Born and raised in Park Ridge, IL, he has been making music since he was 15, however, Joyfriend formed about a year ago. Russell has lent his hand in many DIY projects around the Chicago music scene and only now is he exploring a more personal and intimate side to his music with his solo endeavors. Dog Fight EP is an introspective journey through the mind of an artist who is struggling to deal with all that life has thrown at him. His mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer towards the beginning of lockdown, and the EP is his way to manage all the worries and buried feelings he had inside. In this aspect, the music becomes very cathartic coming from an unresolved place and weighty issues. As a part of the audience I thought the music was very emotional and felt very much like a release from all the heaviness that is currently going on right now.
A one-man-band, Russell fills in all the gaps on this album, making this work as a true DIY effort. He shows undeniable talent on the guitar and vocals. The vocals very much were another apparatus for him to use to color in his music. The other instruments (drums/keyboards/percussion) are all performed by him, as well as all the writing, mixed and mastering. On “Dog Fight,” dynamic guitar riffs jam out to the forefront. Russell’s vocals are equally dynamic. The evocative tones are simply rendered with acoustic and electric guitar interwoven. The combined vocal layers proved to be one compelling listening experience. Melodically shimmering guitars, adamant drumming beat and fuzzy vocals brings the distortion to full effect on “Mush.” The results are a buzzy concoction. Humming with full melodic force, like the intro, this felt like another highlight to my ears. More moody sounds get relinquished on “Plath / You Just Killed A Deer.” The dissonance on this song felt very apparent. The warbling guitars evoke an off-kilter vibe. Russell’s vocals also feed into that distortion, progressing the off-centered feel. On “Volunteer Of The Year,” airy guitar riffs spiral and felt very atmospheric. Followed by a short conversation, the sounds slowly ease in and take some time to evolve. On “Las Prevention,” a steady drumming beat keeps time as guitars and Russell’s vocals settle in. The music feels less dark here with a catchy drumming beat and driven melodic vocals. This definitely felt the most pop-oriented out of the bunch. Sounds of birds chirping add a natural element to the strumming on guitar and Russell’s heavy vocals resonating with dark riffs on “Champion.” Centered on simply the guitar and vocals, Russell takes the sparse route in rendering this stripped but emotional closer. At times moving and poignant, the music slowly builds and eases listeners into the haunting soundscapes made all the more tender from Russell’s vocal harmonies. Sounding both mournful and bleak, Russell holds back the tides of sorrow and solitude with great restraint. Yet you can hear the range of emotions from his vocals that will go on to persuade you to invest yourself further into this EP. The melodies on this album last with a mix of bittersweetness to see it end so soon. With only six-tracks, the EP is worth repeatable listens to further uncover the depths of Russell’s emotional and personal journey. Be sure you have a listen today!
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May 2024
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