Who loves Indie Dream Pop? This guy.
by Frank Ippolito
Associate Editor
Swirling vocals? Check. Fuzzy, sweeping guitars? Check. Smash bang drums accompanied with interesting bass lines? Check.
If you dig Indie Dream Pop, you’re going to love, and I mean, love, Joyriot.
Max Encinas, vocals and guitars, has written a terrific dreamy album. And although this is Joyriot’s first effort, it sounds like Encinas, bassist Kyle Gutierrez, and drummer Seji Butler have been together for quite some time.
When I saw the name of the first song on the album, “Zen Jam,” I was like, uh-oh, but that notion changed when I hit play. It starts with a simple guitar riff. Then the bass and drums come in from behind it with another simple but powerful back beat. But the thing that makes the song so wonderful is the lyrical melody – Encinas nails it on this and on the rest of the album.
Like most Dream Pop, the lyrics aren’t necessarily the main focus, and while there are some nice moments, the music is the star here. Especially when Encinas steps on the overdrive/fuzz pedal. He uses it sparingly, but when he does, it fits perfectly. Oh, and btw, his lead guitar work is nothing to gloss over. Again, he uses it to extenuate – not show off – perfect for the vibe of the album.
Why you should listen: Because the tracks will make you feel good. And isn’t that what music should do – make you feel something?
What you should listen for: The surprise time signature change that comes out of nowhere and makes you go, “Hey, that’s pretty cool.”
What they sound like: Let’s say the band Phoenix met-up with No Joy, had a few drinks, and decided to jam. Trust me.
Perfect listening for: Long drives out of the heat, sharing a bottle of wine, doodling a minimalist cartoon.
My favorite part: The fact that Joyriot lives up to their name and the fact that Indie Dream Pop is alive and well and living in Tucson.
Listen to Joyriot by Joyriot below.
