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
The Magnifying Glass
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What folds in when the hinge is gone
The moth is dead without the dust
I'm dead without a fuss
All I know is you
No I can't change
And all your neighbours they love each other
And your friends are having so much fun
They're baking cakes and swapping numbers
All I know is you
No I can't change
The slightest weight upsets the scale
Simple words are growing vague
We're twinned but put against
One shape under the magnifying glass
Please no ad-lib, the world is cruel and outsides
Licking lips
All i know let's shed the myth
Let's cut out this bit and this bit
"The Magnifying Glass" by The Joy Formidable is a song which seems to touch on themes of self-acceptance, freedom, and the beauty of imperfection. The opening lines speak of the contrast between things that shine and things that are dull, how something can fold up when it loses its hinge, likening it to the dead moth without its dust. The singer relates to this as "I'm dead without a fuss", which could be taken as being a reflection on how we can forget the importance of small things, and also how we can fail to appreciate ourselves when we feel like we don't measure up to certain standards.
Later on in the song, there is an intriguing contrast between the "happier home" found beneath a shelf, and the world outside. While the neighbours and friends are having fun, they're also baking cakes and swapping numbers, which may be interpreted as actions undertaken to fit in, to seem a certain way, or to perform a particular identity. Conversely, the singer seems to be on a journey of self-discovery, of shedding myths and cutting out troublesome parts. The song acknowledges that there is an unsavoury aspect to the world, but encourages the listener to resist its distortion and to remain true to oneself.
Overall, "The Magnifying Glass" is a thoughtful and contemplative song that speaks to the importance of accepting oneself, even when confronted with societal pressures that tell us to be someone else. In acknowledging this and affirming the value of authenticity, the song offers a message of hope and self-love.
Line by Line Meaning
What shines when the eyes are dull
The things that sparkle and catch our attention even when we are feeling uninspired.
What folds in when the hinge is gone
The parts of us that give in when we lose our support or stability.
The moth is dead without the dust
Just like a moth needs the dust to fly, we need challenges or adversities to keep us alive and moving forward.
I'm dead without a fuss
Without any excitement or passion, our lives become dull and meaningless.
All I know is you
The only constant and consistent thing in our lives is the person we love and cherish.
No I can't change
Even though we may wish to change things, some things are out of our control and we have to accept them.
Below the shelf it's a happier home
Sometimes, the things that are hidden or beneath the surface are actually better and happier than what's visible.
And all your neighbours they love each other
People who are close to each other tend to care for each other and help each other out, creating a loving community.
And your friends are having so much fun
Being surrounded by people who are enjoying life and having fun can bring joy and positivity to our own lives.
They're baking cakes and swapping numbers
Enjoying the simple pleasures of life with loved ones and friends can add sweetness and connection to our lives.
The slightest weight upsets the scale
Even the smallest change or shift can have a huge impact on our lives and can throw us off balance.
Simple words are growing vague
The things that used to be straightforward and clear to us are becoming more confusing and unclear.
We're twinned but put against
Even though we may feel like we are similar to someone, we can still be put into competition or opposition with them.
One shape under the magnifying glass
When analyzed closely, we are all very similar and made up of the same basic components.
Please no ad-lib, the world is cruel and outsides
We need to be careful with what we say or do, especially in the face of the harshness of the world.
Licking lips
Showing eagerness or anticipation for something we desire.
All i know let's shed the myth
Let's get rid of the illusions or false beliefs that no longer serve us and keep us from growing.
Let's cut out this bit and this bit
Let's remove the things in our lives that are holding us back or causing us pain, in order to move forward.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Rhiannon Bryan, Rhydian Davies
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind