The Joy Formidable - AAARTH
Critic Score
Based on 9 reviews
2018 Ratings: #164 / 890
User Score
Based on 35 ratings
Liked by 4 people
September 28, 2018 / Release Date
LP / Format
- / Label
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CRITIC REVIEWS

90
AllMusic

That AAARTH feels cathartic comes as no surprise, as the trio have long been purveyors of both aural and emotional heft, but this time around they've managed to crystallize both aesthetics into something truly sublime, fulfilling the promise set forth on 2011's The Big Roar.

85
Under the Radar

This is without a shadow of a doubt their best album since The Big Roar, the first to prioritize rock and roll for the sake of rock and roll over a desire for pop hooks or radio attention (say I, as a total outsider) and AAARTH is all the better for it.

75
Spectrum Culture

It’s still inspiring to see the Joy Formidable so deftly tighten everything that makes them good – and, even better, make it look effortless.

everythingafter
82

This album is a breath of fresh air in a sea of mediocrity in this genre of rock music from 2018. Ritzy Bryan is a good singer, the album has some compelling melodies throughout and several of the songs actually build and go somewhere by the end. The only negative thing I have to say is that the arrangements and production, in many cases, sound busy. Too much is going on in the music, and Bryan's voice is often drowned out, which is no bueno. Less is always more. Otherwise, The Joy Formidable ... read more

CheapandLethal
70

Worth a listen

rosevean
76

#1 Y Bluen Eira, #8 Absence

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Track List

  1. Y Bluen Eira
  2. The Wrong Side
  3. Go Loving
  4. Cicada (Land on Your Back)
  5. All in All
  6. What For
  7. The Better Me
  8. Absence
  9. Dance of the Lotus
  10. You Can't Give Me
  11. Caught on a Breeze

Year End Lists

#51/Rough Trade
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Added on: June 26, 2018