The Joy Formidable are Ritzy Bryan, Rhydian Dafydd and Matt Thomas.
The beginnings of TJF began several years ago, when school friends Ritzy and Rhydian chatted on a night out in their hometown of Mold, North Wales. Both opinionated and madly into music, an instant respect was formed and they began meeting regularly at the legendary Buckley Tivoli; then a North Walian mecca for local and touring bands. It was a source of much inspiration to the musically aspiring pair; alongside Ritzy's parents enormous, exhaustive record collection. Nevertheless, in an otherwise provincial, sleepy setting, itchy feet and a fleeing were inevitable; Ritzy to Washington DC and Rhydian to Manchester, where they enjoyed separate but strangely parallel journeys as singer songwriters. It was a single phone call that reunited them, this time they would write and record together.
Back in North Wales a flurry of early recordings revealed a voice emerging; the beauty of their surroundings against the sadness of personal circumstances tugging conflictingly in their songs and selves. They decided to move, choosing London as their new home and a base for their live aspirations.
With Matt Thomas on drums, a conjoint surrealist and raw, forceful drummer The Joy Formidable have thrived on the live front. Soundscape layers are spiked by the nakedness of a 3-piece; gargantuan, clamorous bass and guitars come in waves, Ritzy seething and cooing in equal measure.
Their material still has its roots in the vast, lonely countryside of the Clwydian borders but London has roused offshoots from the TJF bough. They have become a uniquely home-grown affair with the band driving every creative aspect, visually and musically. The band’s bedroom a chrysalis, that mutates daily from sleeping quarters, to studio to workshop. It was here they recorded first singles Austere and Cradle and their 8 track CD “A Balloon called Moaning" - a defiant release of optimism against their own heavy hearts.
Hey guys, thanks for accepting. Saw you in Norwich on the 11th, and thought you were amazing :) Was a great night, so just saying thanks :) It was really cool to meet you after Ritzy, oh and thanks for your drum stick Matt even though it was broken haha Hope your all well xx
Wicked gig tonight. Such a nice gesture. Next time I see you I'm down the front so I can soak up Matt's chops. One of the most instinctive and incredible drummers that I've ever heard. x
The two evenings in Paris and Brussels were amazing. I'm looking forward to see you again. I really hope you hadn't too much trouble to join Amsterdam and that it will be ok to turn back to UK. These two days in Brussels were weird but i wouldn't have missed a chance to see you again...
What a great gig in Norwich on Friday and the crowd was super friendly...come back to norwich soon (Waterfront or UEA next time!). A have a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi-EaeArYNo more to come ;)
Hi Guys!! Just booked my tickets for Birmingham on 20th March!! Get in!! And then you go and make my xmas by announcing The Baddies are supporting you!! I love them also!! Thanks a million!! Have a great xmas guys! x
The Joy Formidable No1 album of year on mark from BIYL best of 2009 also awesome gig at Art Centre Norwich on friday when i had the pleasure to interview the band again link on this to follow plus amazing photos by shane allen
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