The Joy Formidable

With all the big productions of Life Is Beautiful, it was a nice change to go see The Joy Formidable which felt more stripped down and real. They still had fun viscual effects going on the screen behind them. Seeing them live just made me so happy! Even my friends who had not heard too much of them were dancing and having a great time. See them if you can!

Hands down one of the best live concerts ever. The sound was superb and truly looked glad to be there. The band played for a solid 90 minutes, played their hearts out. They ended with their most popular song from their past album, Ritzy got down off the stage and let the audience strum her guitar, before smashing it on stage and gave away the pieces. Scott gave all is drum sticks to the audience. Best show!

The show was so great I'm such a big fan of the joy formidable and there such an experience when they play live and also there opening act IO ECHO was so awesome the whole show was just great and sounded great

One of the best high-energy concerts I've ever been too since I've been going to concerts since 1981. Very talented band, with amazing sound for a 3-Piece. They had a great rapport with the crowd - very generous and kind.

Shows are always better if the band is excited to be there and play. This was the second time I've seen them, and both times they have had energy about them. If you have heard their music and enjoy it, you should see them if they are in your area.

Absolutely amazing show! Loved the intimate venue. An untapped band with a huge sound that I love. Hopefully they start touring more often :)

Each band member gave a truly unique performance and each song varied from the album. This performance had everything I love, dynamics, jams sessions, Ritzy, etc. They played for a while and played most of their songs. I loved every second of it.

Excellent show at The El Rey. They really pulled out the stops with cool stage design and an amazing encore. Go see them!

Telekinesis and The Joy Formidable are awesome! If you have not seen them before, you got to.

Ritzy seriously rocked the El Rey and all had a great time. This band is going places in my opinion. I look forward to new material from them. The El Rey was spectacular as usual - best GA venue in LA in my opinion.

Best live show I've seen in months. Killed it. This was my second time seeing the band. Different venue but just as incredible.

Ritzy Bryan gives every indication that she is about to ascend to the top of the mountain. As far as female performers go, we have been awaiting the next Chrissy Hynde for over two decades. The Joy Formidable, including Rhydian Daffyd and Matt Thomas, performed a set laden with hooks. While their latest album The Big Roar is clearly a step forward for the band in terms of maturity and song construction, their live show continues to feel raw and energetic while Ritzy Bryan remains captivating and vital in a way that no female performer currently fronting a band is capable of matching. The band's live material maintains all of its hooks while sacrificing none of the "roar". The Joy Formidable is one of the extremely bright lights among the new wave of performers. They are not to be missed. See them while the venues remain small.

I love how creepy the lead singer girl is. Also, bashing a giant inflatable cat always wins over the crowd.

First time hearing them live and had a great time! Excellent musicians, very talented!

Never saw them live before and was completely blown away. The whole band has incredible energy. One of the best shows I've seen.

Wow. After seeing this band in DC, I trekked to NY to see them. I had my ass kicked by them again! I am 43, been seeing live music of all types since I was a kid, I have seen just about everybody, and RARELY have I seen a band bring it like they did. The light rig at Webster was awesome as well, and they worked the crowd into a frenzy at the end,Ritzy wildly hammering a gong, then throwing her own guitar into it. Their infectious energy is instantly affecting and clearly genuine as well.

They were great, they're a great band and they played a great set.

Don't miss The Joy Formidable. Everyone feel in love with Ritzys stage energy and her awesome sound. Music in it's purest form!

Didn't know The Lonely Forest ahead of time and was expecting a lame opener but those guys were awesome. The Joy Formidable was insanely good as usual. Even though the venue was small, there was a more personal touch to the performance although by the end there were so many people that some had to stand on tables or chairs to get a view.

The band put on a fantastic show. The stairs at the venue were a little narrow but otherwise it was a nice place.

I had been listening to their album, The Big Roar, for 2 weeks straight coming up to this concert and I couldn't have asked for anything more than what they delivered live. The smaller venue added to the awesome rock atmosphere and as soon as their set started I was completely in awe. Everything was played perfectly, yet the raw emotion and chaos that is The Joy Formidable, at times in their set was just incredible. But sure enough, anytime Ritzy wanted to talk in between songs the crowd just got perfectly still and quiet to listen to her every word. Rhydian and Matt joked along with her and the crowd and helped deliver a truly great show. I would definitely recommend this band to anyone!

I was so excited to hear that Joy Formidable was coming to kc. I have their cd and love every bit of it (so my opinion is a little bit biased) and I bought my tickets months ago. I had never been to the riot room, and as far as an "intimate" rock venue it was pretty good. Both the openers were good, especially the Lonely Forest. The two bands (Lonely Forest and Joy Formidable) have been touring for a while and they're a great match. I was early enough to be right up against the stage, and so I was literally standing directly next to Matt on the drums. I genuinely feared for my hearing (in the best way possible). I can not express how intense and energetic they were. They were heavier than any metal band I've seen, because of their energy and skill and passion about their performance. They genuinely seem to enjoy performing their music, and as an audience member it was a very exciting atmosphere. It felt like the audience was part of the performance. I could babble for hours about all the little things that made this show one of the best shows I've ever been to. Like the insane and hilarious faces Matt made at the crowd as well as the rest of his band. Seriously. If you ever get the chance to see this band. DO IT!!! They. Are. Amazing.

Great show. Venue was a bit cramped, but overall, I'd go again.

TJF gig in Boston was terrific, lots of energy and great songs. It's nice to see a band that is truly excited about being on stage, no posing, no frills, just drums and a couple of amps. A lot of noise for a three piece - they seem to love what they do and you can't beat that.

This was a really good time. Not too many people, but enough. The band was a lot of fun. Sound was good. Would definitely go see again!

i was looking forward to seeing the joy formidable and was surprised with outstanding performances from the dig and group love. 3 AWESOME bands all in one night. a must see!!!

First time seeing The Joy Formidable they were amazing. But i would also like to say the opening bands The Dig and Group Love sounded amazing and their tunes were really catchy

Excellent stage presence and amazing show + energy.

The show started off with an absolutely stellar performance by IO Echo. They were surprisingly good and had excellent energy, you could really tell that they enjoyed what they were doing. What really made it for me when IO Echo played their mic kept squeaking and when the lead from IO Echo couldn't take it anymore she just threw it out and took one of the unused ones that worked better. Then the Joy Formidable performed, and it was astounding they had perfect energy, stage performance and band chemistry. They played pretty much every song that you could have wanted them to play from their set list. Not only did they play the songs that you wanted them to play but they played them so well that it almost ruins the recorded versions. And at the end of the show after having the audience "help" with the finishing solo for Whirring, Ritzy just straight up gave away the guitar she used during that sing. Overall it was the best concert I've ever been to and if you see The Joy Formidable coming to your town you better make an attempt to go, or you are depriving yourself of one of the best shows you may ever see.

It has been a week now since Welsh trio Joy Formidable rocked Webster Hall. First off, they packed the house! They sold out the venue and did the same the previous night at Music Hall of Williamsburg. These kids are not a flash in the pan. It was only a few years ago that front woman Ritzy Bryan (guitar/vocals), Rhydian Dafydd (bass/backing vocals) and drummer Matthew James Thomas (drums) played the same venue to a much smaller audience. 2011 saw them promoting their debut album, The Big Roar, which boasted the bold, radio friendly hit "Whirring". Then the trio was reliant on heavy chords and long, free wheeling jam sessions. That is, "Whirring" live was probably a 10 minute song. Bryan relies heavy on feedback and sheer force on the guitar. They are but a few chords, but they demand attention and can be most potent. Dafydd (maybe the hardest name in rock to spell) is every bit a LEAD bassist. Like the title of their debut record, his ax roars and sets a heavy handed tone. And Thomas is more than capable behind the kit. Their rise was pretty significant and before that tours end they headlined the far bigger Terminal 5 and even managed to support the Foo Fighters for a few gigs. In January of this year Bryan and Co. released their sophomore record, Wolf's Law. While it might not have the extended jams and electric hooks their debut has, it is solid nonetheless. During the nearly 1 and 1/2 hour show they showed some more versatility and growth than 2011. Songs like "Austere" and their first single from Wolf's Law, ""This Ladder is Ours", were played tighter, and without the extended jams. Bryan, adorned again with a little jumper and tights, thrashes around and gets the absolute most out of her tiny frame. Her voice is commanding and she is an engaging leading lady. At first glance she has the look of Mary Stuart Masterson's character in Some Kind of Wonderful. She has a sweet and demure exterior. However when the house lights go off, so does she! That blonde pixie haircut of hers makes the whole thing even more disconcerting. You gonna take my order or rock my socks off? It's the latter folks. During this tour they are mixing in some slower tempo tracks too, namely "Wolf's Law" and "The Everchanging Spectrum of Life." Bryan is up to the task, as is her rhythm section. But when "Wolf's Law" reaches it's fiery finish you remember why you bought the tickets. When these three musicians lay it all on the line and play to/for the rafters, it is when they are at their best. It can be heard toward the beginning of "A Heavy Abacus." It can be heard as "Cradle" comes to its bombastic, howling, and supremely satisfying conclusion. The show might have been last week. Their have been myriad of events, both rewarding and miserable in the days that followed. But when I think back at little Ritzy and her mates tearing the hell out of the East Village a smile comes to my face. Things could always be worse.

Great energy, great performances, great music, great venue = spectacular show!

The Joy Formidable played an awesome show. I was impressed by how they managed to capture what I liked of the CD while adding so much to every song, a good reward for coming out to see them live. They were engaging with the crowd, funny, and interesting. I definitely don't regret going. The venue was perfect, small enough to where I was able to get right upfront, but even from the back the band wasn't too far away. Anyway, it was an unforgettable show that was enthralling.

Great band! If you get a chance go see them soon, they are just now working on a second album which will most likely increase their popularity, seeing them in a small venue like the Mayan was a great experience. They are super talented musicians. Fabulous show, great stage and lighting.

Nice set. Tremendous energy. So glad to have Formidable back in town. And the aforementioned cat heads were a fun effect and instant inside joke for all who attended. Thanks for the Low Dough Show.

This was the third time I've seen Joy Formidable live, and they always amaze me. The drummer is a madman, and is so much fun to watch. The whole show is high energy, and heavy and intense. This band obviously love to play for audiences, and to play with each other, and this joy is infectious. I would highly recommend anyone vaguely interested in the band see them live. The concerts have been consistently great, and I will see them anytime I can.

The Joy Formidable caught me by surprise. I downloaded a free song on iTunes and forgot about it until it popped up on shuffle one day. I had to stop what I was doing and find out who the band was that had recorded such an amazing song " The Greatest Light is the Greatest Shade. "" I became obsessed, looking for every clip and you tube video I could find and waiting impaitiently for them to come to Los Angeles. That was April of this year and they were only playing coachella and a small club in San Fransisco. I did what any obsessed fan would do and grabbed my ticket to SF and was totally blown away at how tight this band was and how gorgeous their sound is. Fast forward to the show on 9-14-11 and I must say that they have been growing as a unit by leaps and bounds touring relentlessly in the UK and here in the states. Seeing them on a larger stage where they had room to move about and really cut loose was a real joy to watch/ here. If they are coming to your town do not miss them.

who ever hasn't heard of this band yet, or did & didn't go...BOY, DID YOU MISS A BIG ONE! an intimate Webster Hall show w/ the musically underrated Joy Formidable. i was really rundown from work all week, plus i saw Snoop Dogg the nite before ( a blast! ) & i almost fell asleep at home. then i saw the doors were at 6:30!!! i better motor - NEC train to subway to walkway & i made it! - the great thing about this show was they only have an EP & 1 LP so they did a huge chunk of their songs. i don't know if it was because it was the last show of the tour, or if its just the way they normally rock, but the energy level & shear JOY that they splashed over the crowd was nothing short of mind-blowing. i just wish i remembered the batteries fer my camera, i had to use my fone. i did get a life-size black rubber kitty-cat. Matt Thomas is destined for the drummer pantheon, Ritzy is TOO-FINE & ridiculously talented ( i don't think she used a pick ) & Rhydian did things w/ a bass guitar that most people can't do w/ a bank of keyboards - AWESOME BAND & SHOW!

It was an unforgettable moment in my life. I have never felt such passion radiating from a band. The second they came out my body turned to goosebumps. You can tell that these wonderful human beings love what they do. And they love their fans.

The Joy Formidable is a fantastic band to see live. Their music is amazing! Can't wait to see them again!

Invite the joy formidable as often as possible. They are incredible musicians.

One of if not the best band to see live that is on tour. You won't regret it, check em out

Simply put both bands (The Joy Formidable & Everything Everything) were great. They performed solid sets of music and displayed high level of showmanship. The meet and greet VIP deal was kind of a waste. Listening to the band do a couple of acoustic sets was fun but the gathering was poorly organized. The 'photo op' was a joke, one group photo with the band and twenty some other people. Irving Plaza is a decent place to see a show but if you want to watch the band from anywhere but the main floor it will cost extra, alot extra. After spending around 60 bucks per ticket it felt kinda lame to be approached with the sell up offers by staff. So the bands: good The venue: meh

Great show! The Paradise Rock Club is a bit rough around the edges, but the band made up for that over and beyond!

Second time seeing the Joy Formidable and the don't disappoint. Great energy. Even better live than on the album. Great sound. Great set list. One of my favorite live shows of all time. No lie.

The meet and greet before the show was outstanding. The band was energetic and friendly with the crowd and performed three songs for the acoustic session. The show itself was even better. I was middle front on the floor and the sound was loud as I expected. The band puts on an amazing show. Also - the band performed an acoustic session in the crowd to open the encore. A great night all around coupled with the fact that for the finale Ritzy handed her guitar to a guy in the crowd to finish Whirring all the while Ritzy banging the paddle board for sound effects on the guitar

The Joy Formidable are absolutely fantastic live, true entertainers who really care about the show, their fans, the music. So, if you have a chance to see TJF live, do it, it will be one of the best shows you ever see. They are incredibly talented musicians. Their catalog has expanded a lot with the new record, Hitch (you have to buy it!) and they played songs from all of their published music except for the Welsh language material. Go see them as often as you can!

I did not care for the opening act, Everything Everything. their fans would disagree with me. The Joy Formidable are great. Good songs and great energy presenting them to the fans. I was a little misled about the VIP package. I thought we had a photo with the band individually. It was a group picture with fifty people and the band. Not what I expected. I can hardly see myself. I was told to get there on time or i might miss my chance to get in. I ran into traffic jams and started to freak out. I got there just in time but we waited in line for a half hour. Come ON. But, despite not being able to see well, TJF are great. I'm going to see them at another venue this summer.

The Joy Formidable may not be a household name, but they put on one heck of a show. With shows like this, they will become a household name in no time. The Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio is a small venue, but it was perfect for this group. It's such a fun experience to see a band in a more intimate venue. I know they won't be performing in these small venues for much longer. Ritzy Bryan and company command the stage. I've been to numerous concerts, but they rocked it out about as well as anyone I've seen. Each song was turned into a glorious excuse to absolutely whail on the guitar. It was awesome sounding. The only downside to the concert was the bass was the loudest I've ever heard at a concert. My camera normally handles bass well when filming, but not this concert. It was probably because of the small venue. There were points where it was difficult to hear the Joy Formidable, but for the most part you could. The opener, Nights, seemed good but you couldn't hear them at all because of the bass. Overall it was a fantastic concert. The Joy Formidable is a must-see.

This was a band I was stoked to go see... They did not disappoint. This band loves to perform, they grab you by the throat and don't let go until the end of the encore. Rhiannon or Ritzy as she's known is the consummate girl next door that you fall in love with who then at the blink of an eye can cast a stare that rips right through you, her gaze generates pure energy in the audience. Rhydian fellow lead vocalist and guitarist shares the spot light and holds his own easily seeming to anchor the duo from taking off from the stage with a grounded intensity that matches Ritzy's energy. These two are the heart and soul of this band with Ritzy being, of course the heart and Rhydian the deep, deep soul. I'm afraid that the remaining members Davies, and James were out of my line of sight, but you don't have a sound and energy like this band without all members giving a 150% to the music and performance. If I were to include them in the analogy I would say that they are the blood that fills in every nook and cranny and gives the breath of life to their sound. I love small venue shows and this was the best i've seen with the only caveat being the acoustics in such a space. The mezzanine level lacks the clarity with the sound bouncing off the angled walls below. Clarity which i would have loved with a voice like Ritzy's. But such is the beautiful rage of The Joy Formidable's sound. GO SEE THIS SHOW!!!

Was blown away with how awesome The Joy Formidable was live. I would pay to see them every day of the week!

I can say without hesitation that this was the best show I've ever been to! The Joy Formidable has been one of my favorite bands for a while now and they brought it hard at this show. Even more amazing was the fact that this was the last date on their current tour. Many times I've seen bands near the end of the tour that are just going through the motions and ready to get home, but Ritzy and company gave it their all, literally shaking the building to its foundation. From the opening of "This Ladder is Ours" and "Cholla" to the epic bombastic rendition of "Whirring" to close the encore, I was dancing the entire time. ALSO, performing before TJF, IO Echo, who I'd never heard of before, totally blew me away. This band is definitely on my radar now, and from the looks of things I've seen on the internet after the show, I'm not the only one. These guys were truly fantastic!

Incredible show! Great performers! My first time seeing them.

Best show that I have been in a while! Even the audience ended up playing guitar! I would go to see them eveveryday if possible.

Amazing band, amazing performance. Go see them if you have the chance!!! I got to strum ritzy's guitar, enough said.

I really enjoyed the opening act. So i recommend that people show up for them. They are IO Echo.

Went to see them at Stage AE in Pittsburgh. One of the best live bands I've ever seen. I felt bad that it wasnt even sold out in a smaller venue but they played like it was a sold out stadium of people. I've seen alot of rock shows and this band is in my Top 3 favorite ones ever, seen them one before as an opening band and they didnt dissapoint then, they upstaged the featured band. GO SEE THEM and you wont regret it.

I love TJF and they just kicked so much ass here! I loved the show

AMAZING Show! The Band was great! They totally killed it- the crowd was awesome- RUN To see the Joy Formidable every time you can!

I can't believe how good this band is live! I expected a good show, but it exceeded everything I had hoped for. They were fun, intense, they sounded perfect, I can't wait to see them again!

This was a fantastic show. I wanted to give 4 stars because Webster Hall charges so much for beer, but the band was so excellent live I had to go with 5. The opening act, Blood Red Shoes, was excellent as well.

The review is not only about the Joy formidable but also for Blood red shoes who opened for them and set the mood for a great evening. It was a VERY loud concert but the everybody enjoyed it, a lot of interaction with the audience and even let them play the instruments for a while.

Great band saw them witht the Foo Fighters last year and loved them,

April 14th at the Upstatate Concert Hall was a night to remember. The Joy Formidable put on a rocking show that had their audience dancing and cheering from the first note. It was such an electric feel in the room, not a still body to be found. Guitar, bass and drums meshing together into a symphony of Indie genius. Ritzy Bryan defies all sense of logic. How could a tiny girl like that hit the guitar sounds so hard, making sooooo much noise, which is definately not a complaint!! And her vocals were amazing, so strong, making you say no wayyyyy, but WAY she is the full package and the band together did not disappoint! My only let down was that it had to end. Oh, and it was my first mosh pit experience and what a BLAST :)

Phenomenal Show* The band really interacts with the audience. Being right up front, I was totally awestruck. I can't wait to see them again.

All of the performed well I liked the first dose better. This was a little soft for me

Joy Formidable will never disappoint! This smaller venue made the concert feel as if it were a personal performance.

This was my first time seeing The Joy Formidable and I was completely blown away by the rich an intense sound this trio produced. They are all equally and amazingly talented with their instruments, enthusiastic, and individually heard. Most of the songs get built up as if will be their last of the set, but they kept going- amazing energy. I'm no audiophile, but I wish the venue had better equipment (or sound technician?) to keep up with the band- there was speaker distortion that dulled my experience and ruined Mitzy's dialog between songs. I drove 4 hours to see them, got home around 5am, went to work at 9am and it was completely worth it!

Ritzy is a powerhouse packed in a cute, compact body.

Great show, tons of energy. The band was on for 1.5 almost 2 hours and played almost every song off their new album AND previous album. New songs Forest Serenade, Silent Treatment, etc. sound AMAZING live. Also, the encore set of Wolf's Law into Whirring was just incredible. While band was awesome, the venue (The Fonda) was only okay. The sound was a bit too bassy and there were some weird distortions sometimes. I've seen The Joy Formidable at other venues before so it was definitely the place, not the band. Still great show overall though.

A rip-roaring concert. Energising from first to last. Got the crowd going from the beginning and held them for the whole gig. Favourite song - Whirring - could have played that all night and I would have gone home happy!! Cradle, Greatest Light, Everchanging Spectrum of a Lie were all perfection - not a duff song performed, the whole gang were on great form. Of the new stuff from WOLF Little Blimp and the Maw Maw Song are obvious rockers but anyone who doubts their artistic capabilities should listen to them perform Silent Treatment to realise just how accomplished they are as musicians. Just didn't want them to stop. The set list seemed effortlessly put together but so effective. Rarely have I seen a band that engages their audience so well and when Ritzy catches your eyes with that amazing wide-eyed gaze you really believe she is playing to you alone. The combined best bits of Courtney Love / Tanya Donnelly / Kim Deal rolled into one beguiling on-stage persona. Can't wait until the next tour back in the UK, hurry back!!! They came across as having a great time on stage and that was reflected by the audience and then some! Took some friends as a surprise. They hadn't heard them before and left as converts - don't need to say anymore.....

I just saw these guys a few months ago, at The Troubadour, before their new cd came out; that show was great, and this one was a little bit better, because they played some new stuff that sounds fantastic live. Their shows are so energetic, and Ritzy is always so eloquent and her voice is pitch perfect live...you really can't beat these guys for a fun and entertaining rock concert, every time!

This band just gets better. Big projector screen this time playing videos, pics. Etc in the background. They played songs from Big Roar to Wolfs Law plus one oldie, While the Flies. Awesome! Loved it! Did some moshing at the end of Whirring, crowds got crazy.

Excellent show!! I was right at the front near the stage and the sound was great!

This was my second time seeing TJF play "The Big Roar".... Their new song "Silent Treatment" which will be on the next album is such a different sound and really shows the versatility of the band. I cannot wait to see what they come out with. I'll be coming out to see them again next time they are in Boston for sure.

The Joy Formidable are one of those bands who you look at and don't believe it's possible for them to make that much sound. But, boy, could you be any further from the truth. They have such an energy that resonates into the audience. Lead singer Ritzy, a very petite woman who refers to herself as her bandmates' (Matt and Rhydian) little sister, has such an unending energy. Whether she's running and sliding around the stage while playing guitar riffs or banging a giant gong, she connects with the audience in a manner that makes them feel like they are a part of the show. Drummer, Matt, makes fun of his bandmates in joking manner, such as fake playing guitar while sticking his tongue out at Rhydian, or bringing an ironing board on stage. The band's chemistry is amazing. You can tell by standing in the audience that they are a bunch of friends doing what they love together. And the sound, is just incredible.

I can't believe the amount of pure sound that came forth from only three bandmates. They had a lot of fun and it showed through the energy of their music. Great songs- and the harpist hottie was amazing!!! The encore song was really beautiful...I can't wait to see them on their next trip to New York in the fall... Man, for a petite, sweet-looking blonde lead female guitarist, she sure loves to drop f-bombs. Fun with that English accent!!!

A terrific show--great musicianship and energy. One of my favorite new bands of recent years. Basically, played the whole of The Big Roar, plus two other songs--many of the songs were extended to 6-8 minutes with long instrumental sections of shoegaze freakout.

The Joy Formidable put on an incredible show! They are even better live than on record, and each member is an exceptional musician - the drummer really surprised me! They seem to be having fun on stage and that energy definitely reaches the audience. Catch this band while they are still playing small venues!

Amazing show!! The band sounded awesome and the venue is unbeatable.

They are a crazy bunch making stories as they go. The songs are good but I wish there wasn't so many people pushing into each other

Seeing The Joy Formidable LIVE is a real treat.........Bands come and bands go......JF is here to stay w/ a loud ROAR........I first saw JF play live when they supported The Foo Fighters this past fall.......and I fell in love with this band.After that first encounter I could not wait to see JF headline their own show.....well it was worth the wait.Its difficult to believe that there is only 3 muscians creating this huge SOUND.Passion,talent,and terrific song writing....The Joy Formidable is what is why we love Rock music........PEACE......

The Joy Formidable are one of the best stage performers I've seen, right up there with Kanye West. Admittedly, I don't think their music is particularly amazing (though it's still good) when listening to their album, but the chemistry that the three of them have on stage is amazing. They really feed off of each other and make it a great show to watch, and they're a stellar example of why live music is better than just listening on your iPod.

The Joy Formidable was outstanding. Dynamic music, and extremely colorful lighting. The entire band was thoroughly entertaining and held a great presence on stage. Excited to see them again. Didn't get to see Violins, and A Place to Bury Strangers was essentially a loud drone.

the show was kinda lame the openers where terrible the crowed where so boring nobody moved around at all (stupid hipsters) the joy formidable where great live however they did sound weak on a few songs but none the less they put on a great show.

Powerful and fragile at the same time. Singer is a pretty intense performer with such a lovely girlie voice....the perfect contradiction with the powerful guitar sound!

1st saw them open for Foo Fighters and thought this chick has immense stage presence. Went home and pulled up many YouTube videos on this band and downloaded the album the next day. Finally on Wed I got to see them as the headlining act and truly love how these 3 people hit you with this wall of noise (in a good way). Would love to see them again and Terminal 5 in NYC is a great venue.

Great show. They really rocked out. I can't wait for new album.

With their warm, fuzzy distortion and wailing, feedback-ridden tones, The Joy Formidable came to The Masquerade and put on a show that all who were lucky enough to be in attendance will not soon be forgetting. Driven by the thudding bass lines of Rhydian Dafydd and the double-bass pedal stomping of Matt Thomas, coupled with the joyous thrashings of guitarist and vocalist Ritzy Bryan, songs such as Austere , A Heavy Abacus and Greyhounds in the Slips were given their due in a set that this reviewer wishes he could relive over and over again. Already a huge TJF fan before I saw the show, I had high expectations for their live performance, as the word on the street (or the internet, at least) tends to be of the opinion that this trio knows how to entertain the masses. TJF specializes in melodic, shoegazer rock, with songs that perpetually build up to a crescendo. The big treat in this live performance was in the epic expansion of their compositions. Whirring , which served as the encore, morphed into a ten-minute long masterpiece, complete with the near destruction of a gong (as well as lead singer Bryan), and any semblance of order. A new song was debuted as well, titled Silent Treatment , which at the very least shows that TJF s upcoming album is going to be eagerly anticipated by many. As far as I m concerned, TJF can t come back to Atlanta soon enough. A great show with good supporting acts, as ExitMusic and A Place to Bury Strangers were entertaining, to say the least. If you get a chance, see TJF! It s more than worth it, and I would also recommend that everyone check out their entire catalog, which, like their lead singer, is small in size, but packs a ridiculous punch.