Joywave teams up with Marvel Comics on its release for “Obsession” and the video shows the comic strip in detail where the superheroes are in agreement about how great Joywave’s music is overall. In fact, Captain Marvel is featured in one caption listening to the music while other artwork showcase a poster of the band and the name of the new track, “Obsession” in another part. In the comic strip, Captain Marvel hears “Ride of the Valkyries” while Thor listens to metal and Captain America has an internal loop of ’70s soul.
The song has an upbeat feel which pushes the envelope with lyrics like, “There’s something lurking in the back of my mind. And lately I feel it sliding into the light. I just need something to get me through the night. A new obsession or something to hold in my sights.” In a statement, the song “Obsession” is described as one glorious track, melding irresistible electronic pop with typically sharp social commentary to fashion what Armbruster calls “a Cliff’s Notes version of where the band has been and where they intend to venture next.
Vocalist Daniel Armbruster says, “I’m sure I’m not the only person who does this, but I have a tendency to latch onto work, or art, or any number of things, to keep other, scarier thoughts in check. As long as I’m focused and feel a sense of purpose, I’m ok. I’ve always had this fear that if I stop and look behind me I’ll say ‘Wow, I’ve come really far’ or ‘Wow, I’m really high up right now’ and fall. I meant that figuratively of course, unless I’m in a glass elevator. I hate glass elevators.”
Joywave recently produced the track “Like A Kennedy” and the video mimics the tragic JFK shooting showing lead singer, Armbruster impersonating JFK while an actress portraying Jackie Kennedy and the drivers ride along in the Cadillac. Lyrics include, “My head is swelling like a Kennedy. I won’t be afraid. I won’t be afraid. I’m spilling on a jacket next to me. She hopes for the best but I’m losing faith. Are they going to bomb us all. I don’t know. Do you think they’ll build the wall. I don’t know.” Like most of the nation, Armbruster is able to capture the sentiment of the social and political climate that exists today, especially in the lyrics, “Do you think they’ll build the wall?”
Joywave is from Rochester, New York and includes Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), Kevin Mahoney (bass), Benjamin Bailey (keyboards), and Paul Brenner (drums). The band became known for its collaboration with electronic music project Big Data, “Dangerous” then later released two EPs, How Do You Feel Now? out in 2015 via Cultco Music/Hollywood Records and Content which was released in July 2017.