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
This Ladder Is Ours
The Joy Formidable Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And let this loathe crawl over you finally
Let's take this walk, it's overdue
Let's sit and talk and slow things down
Just be our old selves again finally
Let's take this walk
Let's take a walk to somewhere pretty
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
We can be anybody else
Hold on to the fringe
Jump through from the past
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This is where everybody turns
Out right in the end
Can you play a part?
See us walking through the sunshine
Ask me where I've been
Back to Ire
Back to desire
This is where it all begins
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
We can be anybody else
Hold on to the fringe
Jump through from the past
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This is where everybody turns
Out right in the end
Can you play that part?
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
This ladder is ours
The lyrics of This Ladder Is Ours by The Joy Formidable are about reconnecting with a former self and finding a sense of belonging in one's personal journey. The first verse invites the listener to take a walk and let go of any negative feelings that might have been holding them back. The second verse reflects on the past and suggests reflecting on where one has been and what they are looking for. The chorus emphasizes the ownership of one's journey, with the repeated phrase "This ladder is ours" implying that no one can climb it for you.
The bridge of the song brings in a sense of optimism, suggesting that even if things haven't gone according to plan, there is still hope for the future: "This is where everybody turns/Out right in the end/Can you play a part?" The final repetition of the chorus drives home the idea that the journey belongs to the individual, and that they have the power to shape their own destiny.
The overall message of the song seems to be one of empowerment and ownership of one's life path. By acknowledging the past and letting go of negativity, the song suggests that the listener has the power to create their own future.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's take this walk, it's long overdue
We should go for a walk together; it's been a long time coming.
And let this loathe crawl over you finally
Let's confront our negative feelings and overcome them once and for all.
Let's sit and talk and slow things down
We should take the time to have a meaningful conversation and not rush things.
Just be our old selves again finally
Let's reconnect with our true identities and personalities.
Let's take this walk
We should go for a leisurely stroll.
Let's take a walk to somewhere pretty
Let's choose a beautiful location to walk to and enjoy our surroundings.
This ladder is ours
We are in control of our lives and our future.
We can be anybody else
We have the power to change and become whoever we want to be.
Hold on to the fringe
Don't let go of the things that make us unique or different.
Jump through from the past
Leave behind any negative experiences or memories and move forward into the future.
This is where everybody turns
This is the turning point where everything starts to come together and make sense.
Out right in the end
Everything will work out in the long run.
Can you play a part?
Can you contribute to making this a positive experience for everyone involved?
See us walking through the sunshine
Visualize us walking through a happy and carefree moment in time.
Ask me where I've been
Ask me about my life experiences and journey up until this point.
Back to Ire
Reminiscing about a place we used to know or feel passionate about.
Back to desire
Rediscovering our passions and desires that we may have forgotten or neglected.
This is where it all begins
This is the starting point for a new journey or adventure.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: RHIANNON BRYAN, RHYDIAN DAVIES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheJaiwolf
They're an extremely friendly band. You don't normally get chance to talk to bands after the gig but I bought an old album off their merch desk after their gig a few years ago and I got chatting to them for like a good 15-20 minutes and they even signed the album cover. I was amazed by how nice they were.
@daves2027
I got to speak to them in September 2019 and I still can't believe it
@MetricMod
I have been listening to this band for years now. Why they aren’t big or why they aren’t more popular truly doesn’t matter to me. The amount of groups they have influenced and the fact that they continue to release art that is true to themselves is all that matters.
@angelafaulkner8931
They actually give me hope that music is alive and real.
@JayUchiha17
Because we are in a world of sheep that only listen to mainstream Generic pop or volgar Music. They shy away from pure emotion and experiences that's been passionately compressed into this beautiful art by the Joy Formidable.
@kieranriddle9120
@JayEl yeah, of cause your elite music tastes are superior to lowlife "sheep's". It's impossible to appreciate someones music without shitting on others, right? Guess we really are in a "world of sheep" then.
The reason why they aren't "big" is simple - not everyone love shoegaze-like indie rock. And it's totally ok.
@charlyannekirby
They are huge!!! But mainstream doesn't keep score!!! We do!! Plus they have done well!!
@jantizionist9145
cause the jooz don't own them so no fame
@lebourreau7177
As a rock and roll fan to his core, I'm ashamed I just discovered this gem of a trio 💎
@nojuice1590
Don't be ashamed. It's lit af!