To walk the crooked, unpaved path of a nonconformist is to court solitude and stir the ire of a world wedded to routine. It is no easy course, this life of refusing to bend beneath the yoke of expectation. Friends drift away, baffled or bruised by your obstinacy; strangers cast sidelong glances or mutter dismissive words. Opportunities seem fewer, doors slam more often. Yet the greatest burden lies within—wrestling with doubt and the aching desire to belong. It’s a harsh road, where the compass of one’s soul points defiantly against the tide, and every step demands resilience and raw honesty.
Joy Forever, a Hamburg-based band, steps boldly onto the scene with their debut EP, All You Need Is Joy. Leading this release is the single I’ll Let You Down, with Mikolas Rendl delivering guitar and vocals, Paul Schabacker on guitar and synth, Frank Weniger grounding the sound with bass and backing vocals, and Niklas Franke keeping rhythm on drums.
I’ll Let You Down races forward, guitars driving and lyrics defiant, challenging the confines of societal norms. Rendl’s voice echoes with boldness, carrying themes of self-discovery and independence. The lyrics wrestle with the weight of expectations, yet assert an unwavering commitment to authenticity. There’s an undercurrent of loss and longing but also a fierce determination to chart a solo course, braving the trials and the possibility of failure without compromise. Drawing inspiration from The Cure, Fontaines D.C., The Horrors, and Shame, the song pulses with urgency and earnestness.
“This theme of resisting conformity and staying true to oneself runs not only throughout the whole EP, it has been a significant topic being stuck in my mind ever since,” says Rendl.
Listen to I’ll Let You Down below, or order it here.
Recorded with Amak Golden in the Golden Hive Studio in Prague, this EP features the expert touch of the UK producer Theo Verney, known for his work with Egyptian Blue, English Teacher, Lime Garden, and others. Mastering was handled by Julian Tardo from Church Road Studios (DEADLETTER).
I’ll Let You Down follows the EP’s previous two singles, Dreaming and A Thousand Times. Watch the video for these tracks below:
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