I could easily lump No Joy as “just another shoegaze” band, but that's not right. Their songs definitely have all the characteristics of shoegaze: thick, heavy feelings of ecstasy and despair all in the same guitar chord. Yet, unlike their other dreamy brethren, No Joy feel much more 2012 than 1991. Their new song “Junior”, starts out with multiple guitar leads, distorted and filtered through a faded kaleidoscope. Soon, all this washes away, leading in a propulsive drum beat that pumps the song with massive amounts of adrenaline. Smooth and echoed vocals glide in, making your heart melt in ever-lasting euphoria. The guitars are warped and booming and are played with ferocity and intensity. However, there is something so romantic and youthful about this wall of noise that it makes you wish to relive your first kiss (no matter how awkward it may have felt). So maybe No Joy are another shoegaze band. BIG DEAL. With “Junior,” No Joy have made an extremely rad, loud, and vigorous track.
