During opening band Tancred’s set, there was a moment in-between songs that, without wanting to get too political, summarized the general mood of both the audience and the show. Tancred remarked that the crowd seemed “inattentive,” and asked if it was either because it was a Tuesday, or because everyone had voted. The audience gave no definite response, but front woman Jess Abbott, and the band as a whole really, took it all in good spirit. Whatever the crowd’s disposition happened to be was not something the band was going to let dampen their set. Election results be damned, Tancred were there to kick off a night of good music, and that was exactly what they did in the time they were onstage. Their setlist comprised mostly of songs from their latest album, Nightstand, and their blend of power pop, indie rock tuneage served as the perfect compliment to The Joy Formidable. I had the privilege of seeing Tancred open for Julien Baker when she came to Providence earlier this year, and and just like the warm reception they received for that gig, there was enthusiasm abound for the four-piece.
You could say that energy was the word, really the goal of the night: just as there was an equal exchange of upbeat, positive energy between Tancred and the audience, it was even more the case when The Joy Formidable took the stage. After greeting the audience in the form of a torrent of noise, the band wasted no time getting into the swing of things as they opened with “This Ladder is Ours,” followed almost immediately by “Cradle,” both big favorites from their first two albums. Although touring in support of their latest album, their setlist had a good mix of songs, newer and old, from across their catalogue. Such interspersed moments included placing “Y Bluen Eira,” perhaps amongst the strongest cuts off of AAARTH, early in the set, with Hitch-era track, “Passerby” coming soon after. The band ripped and tore through the former with the same kinetic energy demonstrated in the studio, and kept that flow going into latter.
And while banter is probably not something that should ever be weighed into a band’s performance, at least a nod should be given to the trio’s ramblings. A particularly humorous moment came in the form of drummer Matthew James Thomas dominating a small discussion with bandmates Ritzy and Rhydian about a summer getaway camp their native turf is particularly known for, which the group assured they weren’t plugging nor being paid to talk about. It was but one of a handful of moments that displayed the band’s witty, playful sense of humor.
Again, it was a very energetic night. And considering the day the concert fell on, it was also a very calming night. Like Tancred before them, it was not lost on the band what was on everybody’s mind. And while the group decided beforehand that they would put the songs on the set, it didn’t make their acoustic rendition of “A Heavy Abacus” any less impactful. Preluding their performance of “The Wrong Side,” another AAARTH highlight, with a call to being kind and compassionate, and showcasing the same drive they had been displaying all night, it felt like a show that, even if you think you didn’t need, you’d definitely feel better if you experienced it. As the band closed the night by translating their biggest song, “Whirring,” to the stage in its entirety, guitar solos, reverbs and effects pedals ‘n all, you couldn’t help but feel indescribably grateful for the alternative outfit and the calming magic they blessed the audience with.
The Joy Formidable’s latest album, AARTH, is out now via Seradom. Stream it in full below.
Odd Blue Fruit 