The Joy Formidable in May

[Frau_Blucher]

In the northeast. A great band live. Very much in the post-punk vein. I'll for sure be on the bookend dates and maybe even sneak another one of the middle dates in too.

Sat 1 Mercury Lounge NY
Sun 2 Bamboozle Festival
Tue 4 Toronto Horseshoe Tavern
Wed 5 Montreal The Green Room
Thurs 6 Allston Harpers Ferry
Fri 7 Philadelphia King Fu Necktie
Sat 8 Julian’s Albany

<object width="400" height="265"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8719043&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8719043&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="265"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/8719043">20 Watts Video: The Joy Formidable @ Pianos (1/12/10)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2645851">20WattsMedia</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

[SallyLightfoot]

I know I'm being a spoilsport here, but it bothers me a bit how much guitar sound there is in that live act that is coming from a midi or backing track instead of live from Ritzy's guitar.

Otherwise, I do like the band (I downloaded the Pianos concert mp3), and I may check them out in NYC as long as it isn't the late late show.

[coop41]

[quote][i]Originally posted by SallyLightfoot[/i]
<br> I may check them out in NYC as long as it isn't the late late show.
[/quote]

Keep an eye out for Blir, he'll be the one with his pants around his ankles and drooling profusely

[Frau_Blucher]

I'm actually going to do the Something About Mary trick before the gig so I don't get so excited.

[SallyLightfoot]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]
<br>I'm actually going to do the Something About Mary trick before the gig so I don't get so excited.[/quote]The Jiz Formidable.

[Frau_Blucher]

I'm getting pretty jacked off...er...jacked up about these gigs. Tidbit in The Fly:

http://www.the-fly.co.uk/media/magazine/7355/april-2010

"...opens this sample CD with an eight-minute untitled track so grandiosely grungy that it makes everything they've done before look like an Xx b-side [lol]. Distortion pedals, shoegaze, and massive choruses have alreays been the backbone of TJF, but never on this scale. As it patters out, we're left stunned...The Joy Formidable have gone beyond widescreen. They're practically cinematic."

[Frau_Blucher]

I'll sound like I've lost if I say this is the best gig I've ever seen, so I'll pull back just a tad and say it was one of my top 5 gigs. Honest. "While the Flies" building from a whisper to a roar...

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g06NyUXYo94&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g06NyUXYo94&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

And opener The Dig were one of the better opening bands I've seen in awhile. Video from a studio session...

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DJOEisL9MuI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DJOEisL9MuI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

[DJ Lestat]

awesome! I like the stage setup with the drummer on the side like that

~~~~~~Always remember you are unique....just like everyone else.~~~~~~

[Frau_Blucher]

Mercury Lounge Redux - Monday, May 10th:

I had the pleasure of accompanying Schwenko and Karenstar to see TJF's "secret show" and send-off gig of this US mini-tour. As great a time as I had the previous Saturday, this just might have been a better rock concert. Certainly not "better" as an overall night out with friends and plenty of lubrication. This was just stripped down to a great and elemental 40-minute straight-ahead charger. A wicked good punch to the gut.

Here's an HD video I shot. I'm actually a bit blown away at the quality. I'm not saying that to pat myself on the back in any way. It's just that I don't like to annoyingly take a lot of photos or video at a gig. I'll typically shoot just one song then move on to enjoy the show. In this case, I flipped on the camera before Greyhounds, focused just on Ritzy's mic, metered to the highest exposure, and let it run. I'm really pleased with the output, with apologies to the other band members for lack of coverage...

http://www.vimeo.com/11669406

(best watched with HD on)

[coop41]

Wow! Amazing video. The only thing that would have made it better is if Schwenko stage-dived or she took her top off. Seriously, great stuff. That camera needs to make the trip to Austin next year.

[SallyLightfoot]

Ritzy must be very petite. That Fender Stratocaster (or knock-off) looks enormous for her size.

[Frau_Blucher]

[quote][i]Originally posted by coop41[/i]
<br>The only thing that would have made it better is if Schwenko stage-dived or she took her top off.
[/quote]
Schwenko's a he.

[coop41]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Blir[/i]
<br>[quote][i]Originally posted by coop41[/i]
<br>The only thing that would have made it better is if Schwenko stage-dived or she took her top off.
[/quote]
Schwenko's a he.
[/quote]

LOL[:D]

[Frau_Blucher]

[quote][i]Originally posted by SallyLightfoot[/i]
<br>Ritzy must be very petite. That Fender Stratocaster (or knock-off) looks enormous for her size.
[/quote]
She is wee.

[Frau_Blucher]

Some others here have already seen this, but I have to say again that this is an INSANELY HUGE opportunity for a small independent band to open for Paul McCartney...

http://www.paulmccartney.com/news.php#/1963/2010-06

[i]Paul’s show coincides with the Millennium Stadium’s tenth anniversary. It seems only fitting Wales’ most celebrated band should join the most revered name in music as a special guest.

The Manic’s commented: “It is a massive thrill to play the stadium again and an even bigger one to be playing it with the legend that is Sir Paul.”

Also joining Paul will be indie newcomers The Joy Formidable. The band, originating from North Wales, have caused quite an underground stir since the release of their debut album in 2009. They were also hailed as “one to watch” in the Guardian’s 2008 end of year poll.[/i]