Mt. Joy - “Strangers”
SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 9
Pairs Well With…The Head & The Heart, Dawes, Lumineers
Mt. Joy’s sophomore effort, Rearrange Us, is a mature follow up to their breakout 2018 release. The new album continues the band’s blend of indie folk rock, but these songs are more melancholy with a recurring theme of moving on after a breakup. Overall, the record leans more pop than Americana, although there are still some stomp and holler choruses. One of Mt. Joy’s signature moves is to begin slowly and then use up tempo changes and percussion to build songs to an anthemic finish. “Bug Eyes” is a good example, beginning on a wistful note until the music speeds up and percussion comes to the fore. Similarly, “Come with Me” begins with ethereal vocals before the kick drum and vocals escalate. “Strangers” might be the best of the anthemic tracks with a noteworthy piano solo and a killer ‘I’m over you (or not)’ line, “I guess I’ll have to fall in love with strangers.” We saw Mt. Joy at a day show in 2018 and the band faithfully reproduced “Silver Lining” and other strong tracks off the first album. However, a review of a recent live show also complemented the band on their on-stage improvisation and jamming, so perhaps their live performances have also matured. Mt. Joy will play a set on Saturday night at the Outdoor Stage at Lady Bird Lake with another great live band, Houndmouth, also on the bill. (David Zlotnick)
2018 Review: Mt. Joy is a great next step for folk rock, an infectious middle ground of traditional and pop alongside a large portion of heart and soul. For a debut (due in full early next month), Mt. Joy’s music is incredibly mature. Acoustic guitars, stomp and holler rhythms and indie rock/pop accompaniment blend seamlessly - it feels like these songs have been road-tested for years and sound familiar even on first listen. Songs of hope and loss are sung with gritty passion and bouncy drive. This is less about experimentation than it is making the best of every song, back to basics from an indie rock/Americana perspective. The end result is beautiful (resonant ballad “Cardinal”), spirited (“Silver Lining”), and intricate (“rising-tension groove “Dirty Love”).