Joywave: Blending genres of music

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Joywave is an underrated band that transcends genres and mixes rock, pop, and electronic styles.

Joywave, an indie-rock band from Rochester, New York, is an act that deserves more recognition. Forming in 2010, Joywave is similar to acts like Vampire Weekend and Two Door Cinema Club, who both enjoy more mainstream attention. Sadly, the same cannot be said for Joywave—another criminally underrated gem that I feel compelled to dig up and share with you all. 

To my Rochesterians reading this, you may be interested in learning that all three members of Joywave were born and raised there. Their lineup includes Daniel Armbruster (vocalist), Joseph Morinelli (guitarist), and Paul Brenner (drummer). Like a lot of other indie bands, the origin of Joywave’s name is unknown; the only information I can share is that they were named by a former band member, Benjamin Bailey. While I do not know all of their backstories, I do know that Joywave masterfully interlocks the pop, electronic, and rock genres to produce a sound that is anything but standard. 

For instance, their song “Tongues” from the album How Do You Feel Now? (2015) incorporates elements of multi-genre sound while maintaining a universal groove. Like other pop songs, their chorus is catchy—and although it sounds like they are speaking in tongues—this song makes it clear that you do not need to understand the words for it to be stuck in your head all day. I think the chorus is my favorite part; Joywave’s use of vocal chops, which sounds like the singer’s voice was chopped into small bits and played like notes on a piano, is a nice touch that blends the electronic and pop genres. Lastly, the bassline and drum beat give “Tongues” a bit of edge, encouraging you to get up and rock out. 

Another prime example of their skillful use of genre blend is their song “Now.” Again, guitar and vocal effects emphasize the pop-rock feel, which is iconic to Joywave. Still, the highlight of this song is its electronic beat, created with bleeding synths—synths that overlap and blend into each other. While these elements are quite simple on their own, these instruments and vocals come together to create another great song that transcends genres. 

Now that you understand why Joywave is so special, I wanted to dive into one more song to showcase that this indie band has more to offer than just a cool sound. “Like A Kennedy” from Possession (2020) is an emotionally powerful song. Within the verses, the lead singer compares himself to a Kennedy, specifically the former President, John F. Kennedy, and sings as if he is reflecting on his last moments. I am sure you do not need me to explain why this song is so tragic, but I will tell you that it is beautiful and worth listening to. 

If you want a band with a unique sound and the flexibility to create mindless and emotional songs, I highly recommend listening to Joywave! Their blending of genres is fascinating, and you can find them on all your normal streaming sites.