Joyce Manor’s self titled LP took me by surprise. I had no initial expectations as I’d never listened to the band before sitting down to review it, however my shock is due to the fact that I enjoy it so much. On first listen to the pop punk/rock quartet’s full debut on 6131 records, (known for their hardcore signed acts) I was confronted with messy, yet perfectly catchy riffs which I first thought were pretty cool in combination with the half sung, half rasped vocals. After a second listen I moved on from these thoughts of ‘pretty cool’ and was hooked, placing it on constant rotation for hours.

The Californians’ record begins with “Orange Julius” which really points the listener in the right direction of Joyce Manor’s general sound. Although this is not the catchiest song on the record, it has a groove to it which successfully has me toe tapping. The ‘woah-oh’s at the end of the song keep my mind and ears wanting more of the album which is unlike anything I personally often listen to at this stage. “Call Out (Laundry)” is perhaps an even better representation of the band’s creativity and trademark sound. Its instrumental intro highlights the organised ‘noise’ that Joyce Manor has the ability to construct so well. Following this is “Beach Community”, a favourite of mine on this record. The first, infectiously sung line ‘I lost it all in the beach community/where it was lost is not all that clear to me/over the side walk into a slow talk/ called the police told me I’m in the wrong town’ is sung over a more mellow Joyce Manor sound. This is until things get grittier and following lines are sung in a more passionate manner with more punch to the vocals. The backing vocals are to also be mentioned because they are simply a perfect kick towards the end of the song highlighting the line, ‘Everything reminds me of you’.

“Derailed” and “Famous Friend” showcase Joyce Manor’s simple use of guitar melodies which, in combination with a few hand claps, could easily be crowd favourite at a live show. “Leather Jacket”  includes an explosive intro which effectively slows down in tempo to a bass transition. The song is one of the heaviest on the record and highlights the punk influences that this band cites. “Ashtray Petting Zoo” is yet another stand out on the record. Throughout the album, but particularly during this track, I’m remined vocally of Tigers Jaw, a band I’m fond of, so this again adds points to Joyce Manor’s tally. The track is one of the softer, easier to listen to songs, yet it still counts for a consistent full length.

Fitting album closer, “Constant Headache”, is lyrically relatable and discusses relationship issues through phrases such as, ‘I’m a constant headache, a tooth out of line ’ and ‘It made me think maybe human is not such a bad thing to be’. The closing track is the longest on the record and the only song over the 2 and a half minute mark, clocking in at 3:04. In fact, as the saying goes, the self titled album is short and sweet. 10 songs. 18 minutes. You can clearly grasp what Joyce Manor is all about, you don’t need anything more than 18 minutes (apart from the fact it’s a highly enjoyable 18 minutes that does leave you wanting more). They perfect their craft in such a short amount of time, keeping precise and to the point musically and lyrically.

After listening to this record, I notice it is indeed similar to some pop-punk I currently listen to, but to put it simply, it’s just nosier and perhaps to those with similar taste to myself, more mature. Joyce Manor sites ‘adults with braces’ as an influence on their MySpace. This immediately had them gain respect from me, but not nearly as much as credit as I give them for this creation. They are unique, yet relatable. Noisy, yet easy to listen to. Catchy and organised in a messy manner. All these qualities have gained the band a new fan. Very interested as to what they do next.