Over the past five or so years, any pop rock band with a female vocalist has instantly been compared to that band beginning with ‘P’ (you know the one) and for London’s Joia they have the same predicament but thankfully this début EP (‘Match Light’) allows the quintet the establish their own sound.
The title track is a strong opener with an atmospheric verse giving away to a stirring chorus with confident vocals from Athina Andrelos. Whilst the bands guitar-focused sound is appreciated and give them a needed edge. Whereas ‘Enough of You’ and ‘Our Town’ shows the bands poppy capabilities and with decent musicianship and song-structure, Joia are able to keep you hooked.
On the other hand ‘Let Down’ is a more sincere affair and takes a slight ballad-esque with drifting guitars waving in and out track and hints at the bands potential to stretch beyond the standard pop rock sound.
For a début release, ‘Match Light’ succeeds in Joia’s mission of simply being noticed as over the course of four songs they have confidently shown their ability to write pleasing pop rock songs that have an appreciative, mature substance rather than the usual energetic, catchy songs their US counterparts often provide.
If they can expand on their ideas and avoid the Paramore comparison pitfall, Joia could be on to something.
3.5/5
‘Match Light’ EP by Joia is released as a free download on July 16th.
