Ritzy from The Joy Formidable talks to Zoe Brookes about the release of their second album, Wolf’s Law.
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How has the band and its sound developed since the release of The Big Roar, and did you approach Wolf’s Law a lot differently?
The biggest difference in the two albums is that with the new album we approached it by stripping things back. A lot of the songs have been conceived with a voice and just one accompaniment and that sort of became the roots of {Wolf’s Law}. The evolution of a band is about constantly doing. Making music is a lifestyle.
Why Wolf’s Law?
I’ve always been fascinated by language and words and this was a term I came across about 18 months ago. It’s a scientific term ultimately: it describes how bone is able to adapt after long periods of stress or breakage. There is symbolism in that that just struck a chord with me at that particular time and our songs for the album that talk about relationships which have healed and are moving forward and finding reconciliation in certain situations in life.
Could you describe the album’s sound?
It’s intricate. It is a very vocal, melodically and lyrically driven album. We’ve stripped everything back; the lyrics and the melody are the anchors to kind of lead the way. It’s always very difficult to describe our sound because with a band like us there is no formula. I can say it’s not formulaic, there are a lot of different sounds and a larger sonic palette – and there is a lot of intricacy in there. It’s difficult to surmise but that is what makes it exciting, you’re not listening to eleven tracks that are the same.
What’s your favourite track on the album?
From a personal perspective I’ve definitely got a strong bond with {The Turn Around} because it was ultimately a song that I wrote about my grandfather who died two weeks into the recording of the album. It was a real emotional mixed bag because on one side we were so excited to be back in the studio, and then of course there was the sadness of losing him – especially because he was our greatest fan.
You recorded the bulk of the album in Portland, why did you choose to record there?
It started off as just being a logistical thing. It was November 2011, it was thanksgiving and our tour had reached Portland, Maine. We had this little place in the woods and it had this beautiful landscape and a flavour of Wales. It was so peaceful, no wi-fi, no phone signals. We were so smitten and we got into this really creative mindset. It was a happy accident.
They always say that the second album is the most difficult to make, have you found that to be the case?
Not at all, quite the opposite. We’ve been writing so much on the road that if there was a challenge, it was actually trying to filter 18 months of chaotic writing. I think we would have spent years in the studio if we had to use every idea we’d brought to the table. We almost couldn’t record fast enough.
What was the pivotal moment of 2012 for you as a band?
There’s been so many. If you’re enjoying what you’re doing and the music you’re putting out there, then there doesn’t have to be just one moment, it’s a really exciting life. But a pivotal moment… I guess going on tour with The Foos was one of those, just because there’s that worry about meeting someone that you admire – they always say don’t meet your idols – but they were so genuine and driven by the music. It’s great to meet like-minded people. So, I guess that was a highlight.
The Joy Formidable’s second album Wolf’s Law is out now.