Joykill Collective - Joykill Collective EP
Joykill Collective are a group of musicians spread across the globe, who describe themselves as, '...a new alt rock group with DIY spirit and a political edge'. The collective also seems to take in filmmakers, writers and poets, which is to be applauded. Artistic boundaries are meant to be broken.
The new EP, the self-titled 'Joykill Collective', is a really succinct and well put together introduction to their music. Opening track Liberty Taker with its doom laden guitars, lush harmonies, and glossy production values, has an almost power pop feel. Watch the accompanying enigmatic video too, with its political punch line 'Sorry the lifestyle you ordered is out of stock'.
Battle Cry has some nice guitar atmospherics, accenting the sense of anger and loss...as the central lyrical refrain shouts out 'This is the battle cry, you are dancing with the defeated'. Lies and Gold in particular stands out, with its dream pop type musical landscape. Conveying a softness which contrasts with, and emphasises, the politically acerbic sentiments of the song. Try the line 'We didn't see it coming, but revolution is in our eyes'. It's refreshing to see a band so openly share, through its music, its beliefs and values.
Game Show is perhaps the least successful track on the EP, where the over busy production overwhelms the song a little, and the catchy chorus and heavier guitars and drums sound a bit too perfect. The other songs are strong enough to lay down their own musical personality though so doesn't hamper the overall feel.
There are lots of things to like on this EP, and we hope it's a work in progress, the talent shows that this is a band who could well let go and take a few more risks with the next recordings.