Happy Caturday to the cool cats that read my blog posts! Fall is in full swing and it’s finally starting to get as cold as my little emo heart. But have no fear, I’ve got just the cure to warming my little emo heart up and that’s a band called Joyce Manor.

Based out of Torrance California, this  pop punk band formed in 2008 and has grown to become the most interesting fore front of this scene today. Explosive and unconventional, Joyce Manor take the liberty to dismiss the clichés of pop punk to create a sound that is both diverse, angsty, and weird, like a really weird movie.

Their most recent release, Never Hungover Again (I wish) dropped in 2014 and accurately depicts the charm that is Joyce Manor. Only 10 songs and 19 minutes long, the rowdy and wild tracks ooze of brash punk that makes you rock in your room like the star you are. The symbols of beach communities, the past, and toothaches are all just mirrors of lead vocalist and guitarist Barry Johnson’s infinite sadness. This album is a reliable staple for every sad boy and girl’s musical library. Personal favorites off of Never Hungover Again are Schley, a strange riffy anthem of a friend in danger, and The Jerk, which is quite literally about a jerk. Lyrically, Joyce Manor isn’t very poetic, but still has the ability to resonate and identify with. This is the band that you listen to when for getting drunk, taking roadtrips, acting lazy, and being surrounded by good friends, and good music too!

I have had the privilege of seeing Joyce Manor live, and let me tell you, I’ve never felt more punk than in their crowd. Just last Saturday, Halloween, they had a show at The Fonda Theatre. Their amped up sound and sad boy attitude makes for some of the funnest shows ever. On this particular evening, Joyce Manor were sad boys dressed up as bumble bees, an angel, and a Dolly Parton/cowboy hybrid. The crowd all dressed in costume, yours truly as Napoleon Dynamite. It was quite a sight, a constant sway of moshing and crowd surfers. Their inexaustable sound never fails to dissapoint, keeping true to the way of punk shows, they never miss a beat. Since Joyce Manor songs rarely exceed two and a half minutes, the band was able to play most tracks, ranging old and new, all well loved and sung very loudly. It was a magical experience, a Halloween to remember, and Joyce Manor will forever be the wiliest concerts attended.

Below are a few jams to show you what this band is all about. If you have even an ounce of angst in you, this is what your ears need to hear.

 

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