The Joy Formidable have been one of few real success stories of British indie of recent years, with two acclaimed albums of 90’s-influenced indie-rock under their belt in a career that’s explored shoegaze and metal textures. ‘The Last Thing On My Mind’ heralds upcoming full-length Hitch, and while it isn’t particularly different from anything the band have done before, it feels like a refinement of previous successes. There’s a sense of glossy perfectionism in the chiming guitars and snapping drums, while frontwoman Ritzy Bryan sounds more arch and aloof than ever before, her breathy snarl indicative of a new-found slickness. But more than just an evolution of production and craft, it’s a great song with an irresistible chorus and nagging guitar riff.
‘The Last Thing On My Mind’ is a kiss-off, but where lesser acts would sound contrived and insincere, The Joy Formidable are cool, dry and distant – it’s a professional performance that recalls PJ Harvey or Garbage at their peak. The single’s video will inevitably garner attention for its objectification of male beauty (or, rather, male anatomy) but it’s almost a distraction from what’s an exciting teaser from one of Britain’s increasingly-dependable rock groups.
