Baltimore DIY band Joy Classic pumps out catchy, feel good psych pop sounds layered with bright guitar hooks and twangs, reverb-soaked vocals, and punchy bass lines on standout songs like “Ya Know” and “Blossom.” We know when we’ve hit upon a talented, promising band when it’s difficult to pick just a couple of songs to highlight, despite the fact that their discography, thus far, is made up of only a half dozen tracks altogether.
“Ya Know” – Joy Classic from Youth Buzz
Joy Classic’s sound is not easy to pin down, and yet they strive to pack as much intrigue into their compositions as possible, incorporating elements of 60’s-inspired California surf rock; dreamy, 70’s-style sunshine pop and crisp, melodic hooks representative of some of their top musical influences, like Tame Impala, The Strokes, and Beach Fossils.
There are even hints of east coast doo-wop and classic rock that color songs like “Saturday Night.” That track, among others available in this profile, are found on the band’s four-song debut EP, Youth Buzz. The EP was featured on Philadelphia’s XPN.org, along with various associated blogs, and received a good deal of support from Baltimore’s DIY-friendly community. The band continued to write new songs while performing concerts from Baltimore to DC, and opening for artists like Yuck, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, San Fermin, and Deleted Scenes.
“Saturday Night” – Joy Classic from Youth Buzz
The band was originally founded by childhood friends Bob Elder and Justin Link in Portland, Oregon; however, the band moved to Baltimore to link up with Link’s former bass player, Matt Robinson, and to find a more fitting home base that allowed them to pursue their music together and still pay the monthly bills.
After countless attempts to fill an open drummer slot, Robinson’s longtime friend, Chrysta Ghent, secured the role by way of her seemingly effortless on-the-spot transition from guitar to drums. Following many hours of rehearsing and recording in a dark, graffiti-ridden warehouse, the band also released their first music video, the psychedelic-influenced , “Splash.”
“Splash” – Joy Classic from Youth Buzz
Earlier this year, Joy Classic released “Metro,” a single from a rumored 2014 debut LP, which has yet to materialize. As Joy Classic continues to gain the attention within the Baltimore indie music scene, we can only say that we hope more music lovers from around the country recognize a band that really has something special going on.
“Metro” – Joy Classic from Metro 7″
We’re hoping that they’ll be releasing a debut album soon before they become like too many other talented-out-of-the-gate buzz bands who make a splash and then fade from view because they don’t keep pumping out new music, or fail to properly promote themselves to sustain a key component in making it in the music business – momentum.