ARCHIVE REVIEW – Joy Formidable @ NEWCASTLE RIVERSIDE
[taken from – http://www.muzikdizcovery.com]
There’s a lot to be said for touring extensively in support of your records, but it must also be a source of great frustration for bands who’d like nothing more than to move on to the next phase of their careers. This is particularly true for new bands with limited flexibility as to what they can actually play, and in recent months The Joy Formidable have provided a classic example of such issues. In January, the Welsh trio released their long awaited LP The Big Roar, which remains among the strongest debuts released all year, while continuing to thrill live despite the fact that they’d essentially been touring with little respite for two years. I myself witnessed their live show both prior to and in the immediate aftermath of the album’s release, and each time they were mightily impressive, but tonight’s gig at Newcastle’s Riverside unfortunately fell way short by comparison. In fact, you could even make a case that they were overshadowed at their own gig, with the excellent And So I Watch You From Afar arguably grabbing the spotlight with their support slot.More
