JOYCE MANOR hail from California and are releasing their sixth album, "40 oz to Fresno." The album was released on June 10, 2022, via Epitaph. This label is always a guarantee for interesting and exciting music. They have not exclusively played punk rock for years, but the releases that come out through the label are rarely uninteresting.
This is how I became aware of JOYCE MANOR. Sometimes, this information is enough to pique my curious ears.
The three Americans present nine songs on their new album. These songs have been produced by the well-known producer Rob Schnapf, or rather, his expertise has brought the instruments to the recording.
JOYCE MANOR play genuinely nice pop-punk in the positive sense. The melodies are pleasant, sometimes have the potential to become great anthems live, and the production is beyond any doubt. The drums set a strong rhythm, the guitar has enough space, and the vocals rarely have to compete against the instrumental faction. The vocal parts are nicely framed and fit very harmoniously into the songs.
Everything comes across well, and the lyrics are also coherent.
There isn't really much to complain about, but also not much to praise.
The songs sound good and don't leave much behind. Somehow, everything is nice and fits well, but it lacks character.
JOYCE MANOR are too punky for pop and too pop for punk.
JOYCE MANOR sit between the chairs, and they do so confidently, but what ultimately remains? Yes, it is a good, pleasant album... but unfortunately, nothing more.
