Joya
Already boasting support from the music industry with both Radio One and Music Week singing their praises, Joya set out to win over more followers with their new single, 'A Place'.
Opening with hauntingly beautiful brass and tender vocals, 'A Place' is overflowing with gracefulness and sensitivity. Musically Joya's latest single is a kin to a Coldplay track possessing the same insightfulness in their lyrics as those of Chris Martin. There is intelligence behind their music, a complicity in their performance and yet all of this seems hidden superbly behind the elegant simplicity of the single. 'A Place' boasts a sense of tranquillity about it. With an understated intro it gently grabs you and although the tempo quickens and the brass and drums do get louder, Joya do not detract from the tranquillity they generated in the opening chords. They manage to retain a softness and bitter sweet atmosphere throughout the track, allowing for a huge wave of emotion to wash over the listener continually during the song. Joya expertly mesmerise the listener with a gripping drumbeat and brass which repeatedly reel you further into the song, demanding your full attention and dominating your thoughts.
'A Place' may not be the cheeriest, happiest tune of the year, there is a darkness to it which is extremely thought provoking. However, Joya do not dwell on this. Their music works in such a way that it becomes almost like a comforter. Yes, 'A Place' challenges your thoughts, forcing you to ponder things which you normally avoid with a barge pole, but Joya are not the type of band to leave you dwelling on this. Instead Joya expertly present you with issues lyrically whilst musically they console you. With delightfully comforting vocals, Joya opt for a two pronged attack. Whilst 'A Place' maybe a sad song, the genius of Joya is that they are able to act almost as a reassuring hug. Their subject matter might not be joyful but their musical brilliance and charm tenderly wraps around you, making the world seem a safer place and leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling.