Joywave – How Do You Feel Now?

Alternative pop band experiments with funky beats

Alternative pop band Joywave is picking up speed and a fan base. With the previous release of EPs and now their LP, How Do You Feel Now?, the new band is definitely one to watch for. Joywave hails from Rochester, New York; just five guys trying to make some music. The album has 11 songs and they do not shy away from experimenting with different sounds.

“Somebody New” plays with the use of synth beats mixed with a bit electronica. This song introduces listeners to the album and the band’s high energy. The vocals in this song are soft and they are not overpowered by the strength of the roaring beat or the change in tempo. The entrance of the guitar and the easing in of the drums at the beginning of “Carry Me” allows listeners to get a feel for layers of development that each Joywave song has. It sounds like a mix between The Killers and Two Door Cinema Club. “Carry Me” is a bit softer than “Somebody New.”

“Tongues” is influenced by medleys of the 70s and 80s. It is a funky track and lead singer Daniel Armbruster helps carry that through his voice. This tune is definitely relatable. After a long night of fun, dancing and loud music, ears are ringing and it feels like everyone’s speaking their own language. “Destruction” genre hops from pop to alternative rock. The guitar blaring in the background slowly phases out and ushers in Armbruster’s gentle voice. It builds up and you get twinges of disco beats as it plays on.

With “Traveling At The Speed of Light” you dive into something mellower. The drumming and guitar are more drawn out and this helps develop the message of the song. “Traveling At The Speed of Light” talks about being lonely and remembering things of your past that kept you going. The outro is a bit long winded, but it adds a sense of levity to the medley and the album itself.

After listening to How Do You Feel Now?, two things can be figured out about Joywave: They like their drums and drum intros and they enjoy taking risks. The range of depth and sound that How Do You Feel Now? develops is refreshing. You might think that as a new band Joywave would try and create a signature sound or vibe, but in their experimentation lies the beauty of their success and novelty.