With their adept combination of postpunk, rock, and a dash of Goth/Deathrock,  Joy Disaster has been at the forefront of the new music underground since their inception in 2005 .   I was privileged to interview them back in those days, and though their talent was evident from the beginning,  I was not quite ready for the impact of this new album.

Released in January of this year, the masterfully produced “StaygartoW” firmly establishes them in the pantheon of bands that are a direct descendant of ‘80s Postpunk and Batcave.  In no way derivative, yet in the same spirit, Joy Disaster proves that this sort of music is fully relevant for the 21^st century.

“Pressure” starts out dark and shadowy, then revs into Joy Disaster’s signature sound of sharp guitar and edgy vocals, all supported by a gloomy electronic undertow and powerful percussion.  “Inside” is fast, and very danceable.  Punctuated by guitar bursts and a frantic chorus, this is a great song that should be on everyone’s playlist.   “The Light” strikes right at the listener’s soul, evocative and somehow nostalgic.  Vocals are fervent with a very effective spoken interlude.  The guitar is sharp as a samurai sword, balanced by solid, yet flexible percussion.  A tribal sort of percussion heralds “Dory”, with guitar that reminds me a bit of Big Country.  Vocals are layered perfectly, with a cadenced percussion keeping time.  The trademark diamond-sharp guitar skillfully weaves on a path of it’s own, with the whole effect of the song being much more than the mere sum of its parts.

“Vision 98”  begins with deliciously ominous bass and percussion. Vocals are addictively dark, along with the incisive guitar.  “Damage Addiction” is strident and compelling,  reined in by the deft bass, with vocals and guitar simply straining at the leash.    “Primitive Agent” is reminiscent of ‘80’s New Wave with a dash of ‘90s Alternative. Balanced and full, the chorus resonates like an anthem.  “Today” is a bit different.  The opening has an acoustic feel, followed by male/female vocals that mesh just right.  Right when you think the song has revealed itself fully, an incredible guitar segment drops like a grenade, then the song goes into it’s final moment before fading.

“Cold Sequence” is heavier, with a richness that is nearly orchestral.  Slightly distorted vocals are gripping and pervasive, as the song drops like a runaway locomotive over a precipice.  “White Attraction: is slower and dramatic.  Distant vocals, with driving guitar that contains a hint of early U2, are tethered by foreboding bass and eerie electronics.  The album wraps up with the magnificently Gothic “Remember the Time”.  Vocals remind me of Corpus Delecti and a certain artist who is definitely not goth, while the guitar and powerful arrangements  fully recall the glory days of Gothic Rock.  The song rises like the spires of a Medieval cathedral,  soaring operatically, then subsiding into to a poignant close.  Any DJ who considers themselves to be even remotely Goth should be playing this.

“StaygartoW” is a great album that will be welcomed by anyone who appreciates Postpunk, Goth, and dark underground music.    “Joy Disaster” clearly has a lot to offer, and I look forward to their future releases.

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