Alternative rock band The Joy Formidable today shared a new single, Into The Blue.
It is the band’s first new material since 2018 album AAARTH, which was their fourth long-player.
Into The Blue was given its first play on BBC 6 Music by Huw Stephens, sitting in for Marc Riley, who called the new offering “as confident and impressive as ever.”
Written in North Wales and completed at their homes in Utah, Into The Blue arrives self-assured and forthright, in a world still trying to regain its footing, amid manipulation, mis-information, and trepidation.
For The Joy Formidable, Into The Blue has come to symbolise a period in which anything felt possible, as they embrace the idea that uncertainty needn’t be something to fear.
Lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan says: “Into The Blue is about surrendering to love and magic. Having the courage to enjoy a new journey, and the mystery and excitement of something unexpected.
“It’s about opening your eyes to beauty and love again. Making it to the other side. Whilst not conceived as a metaphor for the times we all live in now, it certainly turned out that way.”
Formed in Mold, Flintshire, in 2007, The Joy Formidable are Ritzy Bryan (lead vocals, guitar), Rhydian Dafydd (bass, vocals) and Matthew James Thomas (drums, percussion).
Diffuse thinking
Ritzy says of the video: “I am always daydreaming in the bathtub between recordings. That diffuse thinking where your mind wanders freely – I always finish songs when I’m in that state.
“The idea that your imagination, that escape into another, deeper world can sometimes create a stronger connection with yourself.”
Over four albums TJF have built a fanbase from lovers of everything from alt-rock to dream pop, and shoegaze to post-punk.
They have supported acts like The Cure, who they shared a bill with in Glasgow in 2019. Get Into The Blue from their Bandcamp page HERE.
