Joyce Manor is a pop-punk band from Torrance, California. Forming Joyce Manor in 2008, Barry Johnson (vocalist/guitarist), Matt Ebert (bassist), and Chase Knobbe (guitarist), the band was able to grow a fanbase by writing explosive, relatively short pop-punk songs with lyrics that seem straightforward but have “carefully crafted nuances upon multiple listens.”
Starting with Joyce Manor’s early work, they covered The Buggles’ 1979 hit “Video Killed the Radio Star.” I think Joyce Manor showed respect to the original version while simultaneously making it their own. Joyce Manor’s 2012 album, Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired, has other notable tracks, such as “Comfortable Clothes” and “Violent Inside.” I would sum this album up as fast, and although it has some bangers, Joyce Manor’s work gets better.
My personal favorite album by Joyce Manor is Never Hungover Again. I personally believe that this album is a no-skip album and should be enjoyed from top to bottom. It retains the explosiveness of Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired Of. Some of my personal favorites off of Never Hungover Again are “The Jerk,” “Schley,” “Heart Tattoo,” and fan favorite “Catalina Fight Song.” In 2013, before Joyce released Never Hungover Again, they released S/T. S/T is my second favorite album; there are only two tracks on S/T I am not a fan of. The tracks I do like include “Orange Julius,” “Beach Community,” “Famous Friend,” and “Constant Headache.”
In Joyce Manor’s 2016 album, Cody, they shifted into a different style. The sound wasn’t the same; it had become less raw, the guitar presence wasn’t as punkish, and they had more of a focus on singing, and they lost their explosiveness. The lyrics also become more meaningful and introspective. This album is more heartfelt and personal compared to their earlier works. I am a huge fan of Joyce Manor’s earlier guitar riffs, and those were lacking in Cody; however, it is still a good album with songs such as “Eighteen” and “Last You Heard Of Me.” This style continues into their future work, such as Million Dollars To Kill Me and 40oz. To Fresno; both are good albums, but I definitely prefer 40oz. To Fresno.
Overall, I think Joyce Manor is a great band. They have one of my favorite covers that I’ve ever heard in “Video Killed The Radio Star,” as well as their own pop-punk style that is feverish and catchy. Their sound is pretty diverse, and their discography should have songs for anyone willing to listen.
The Loihle Lens: Joyce Manor- https://www.tunemymusic.com/share/cKVTcWeEgY
