Vocalist/guitarist Ritzy Bryan and bassist Rhydian Dafydd originally played together as part of indie rock band Tricky Nixon, which later reformed into a new wave/post-punk band Sidecar Kisses. In 2007 they regrouped on returning to Mold, Wales and formed The Joy Formidable, with Justin Stahley now on drums.
The Joy Formidable released their debut single, "Austere", on 7" through Another Kitchen Records on 18 August 2008. "Austere" was followed with a second single, a limited edition double 7" physical release of "Cradle" on Try Harder Records on 2 February 2009.
In 17 February 2009, the band issued an 8-track mini album A Balloon Called Moaning on Pure Groove Records. In support of the record the band appeared at several notable festivals, including Latitude Festival, Reading Festival and Leeds Festival during which time Justin Stahley was replaced on the drums by Matthew Thomas.
In May 2009, they issued the single, "Whirring", on 7" through Friends Vs Records, which was BBC Radio 2's Radcliffe and Maconie Show's Pick of the Week for the week of 11 May 2010.
At the end of 2009, The Joy Formidable released a free digital-only single "Greyhounds in the Slips", produced by and featuring ex-Mansun frontman Paul Draper and a limited edition live album entitled First You Have To Get Mad on 30 November 2009, which had been recorded at their headline London Garage gig two months previously.
The band also notably toured the UK with Editors and Passion Pit. On 26 June 2010, they supported Paul McCartney at Cardiff's Millenium Stadium. The very next day, the band performed an opening set on the Other Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2010. They also toured as part of the 2010 NME Radar Tour, supported by Chapel Club, Flats and Wilder.
Another single entitled "Popinjay" was released through iTunes Store on 21 February 2010, ahead of a physical release on 5 April 2010. In 11 October 2010, The Joy Formidable issued the single "I Don’t Want To See You Like This".
In 24 January 2011, The Joy Formidable released their debut studio album The Big Roar on Atlantic Records. The album was very favorable received by critics. The Big Roar was preceded by the re-issue of the single "Austere".
http://www.thejoyformidable.com
Austere
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This hope is not lost
It's mischief to turn
Your ship to send off
? and gowns
We'll ransack this town
I'd rescue here and now
?
Oh, austere
Lay by my side
You've been left here
So don't make a sound
Keep your word
Don't let me down
Just ?
Destroy me now
Destroy me now
The Joy Formidable's song "Austere" delivers a message of defiance, resilience, and strength, reflecting the band's Welsh roots and the impact of cultural and political factors in their artistic direction. The lyrics use metaphors and vivid imagery to paint a picture of a society undergoing transformation and redefinition, while the longing for stability, freedom, and self-discovery prevails among the individuals caught in the middle of change.
In the first verse, the line "See the medal? Reverse" may refer to the reversal of fortune, the disintegration of tradition and the shift of power dynamics. The singer acknowledges the uncertainty and chaos but holds on to hope, seeing it as a weapon to fend off the obstacles and challenges ahead. In the second part of the verse, the metaphor of turning the ship to send off could imply the idea of redirecting one's course, breaking with convention, and charting a new path forward.
The second verse contains an outburst of rebellion and defiance, as the singer calls for a revolution, disrupting the established order, and taking back what's rightfully theirs. The image of "mischief and gowns" reveals a sense of playfulness and unity, as the people come together and enjoy their camaraderie while shaking up the status quo. In the chorus, the word "austere" takes on multiple meanings, conveying a sense of elegance, simplicity, somberness, and austerity. The repeated refrain of "Destroy me now" seems to defy the traditional associations with these concepts and instead seeks to break free from inhibitions and limitations, embracing change and the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
See the medal ? reverse
Take a good look at the medal and turn it around to see its true meaning
This hope is not lost
There is still hope, it has not disappeared
It's mischief to turn
It's not productive to turn around, it's just creating trouble
Your ship to send off
It's time to let your ship sail away
? and gowns
There is chaos and disorder happening
We'll ransack this town
We'll take control of this place and make it ours
I'd rescue here and now
I would help in this moment, without hesitation
in velvet you'll drown
You'll be consumed by luxury and indulgence
Oh, austere
Oh, simplicity and plainness
Lay by my side
Be my companion
You've been left here
You've been abandoned and forgotten
So don't make a sound
Keep quiet and don't draw attention
Keep your word
Stay true to what you promised
Don't let me down
Do not disappoint me
Just ?
Just stay silent if you cannot deliver on your promises
Destroy me now
End my suffering and pain now
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dezrt
Classic. This band definitely primed 10 year old me for noise rock / shoegaze, awesome wall of sound they've got
Dougal McGuire
she's a siren. hypnotises me with her angelic voice, face and personality.
Bianca Buelvas
I love the feel to this type of music! I cant describe it!! Good job!
Dempsey & Makepeace
I've just discovered them yesterday.... Wow I'm loving this already!
Kwistia
She rocks that platinum hair ♥️ This song has always been close to my heart since 2013 along with all of their other songs. I love you The Joy Formidable!
H
2019 and can’t stop listening
spacedoginnebraska
I have to say, this music is what I've been waiting for my whole life. And I know good music. I'm forever smitten.
Piero5711
+spacedoginnebraska yes, my friend they are great music!! where are you from? beacuse the band is in tour two months in USA!!
spacedoginnebraska
+Piero5711 I'm from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I couldn't make it to their show in Des Moines, IA, but I'm hoping to see them in July in Kansas City, MO. I am on a mission!!
spacedoginnebraska
+spacedoginnebraska They are coming to Omaha, and I can't wait!!!