On April 14, 2012, the Torrance, California emo/pop punk band Joyce Manor released their Sophomore album through Asian Man Records.
This short, 9-song, 13 minute album is one of Joyce Manor’s most confusing albums, that is the sound is very confused in it. In short, the sound of this album is very inconsistent, as Barry Johnson, singer/songwriter and lead guitarist of the band was in a very confused place as the band’s freshman album blew them into stardom, and suddenly they had eyes on them. While being a product of a very confused time of the band’s existence, “OATIWSGT” is still an absolutely excellent album with its own worth.
One of the most unexpected tracks on the album, a cover of The Buggles’ 1980 song “Video Killed the Radio Star,” stands out as one of the weirdest covers they could have done, but nonetheless it shows the band’s talent with punk music, as they smoothly blend it into a fast-tempo punk song. The cover is a refreshing take on the original, showcasing Joyce Manor’s ability to infuse their unique style into an already well-known track.
Another highlight of the album is the track “If I Needed You There,” which packs an emotional punch with its lyrics and instrumentation. The song encapsulates the essence of the band’s struggles and triumphs during this confused period, and the intense delivery and heartfelt message resonate deeply, making it a standout moment on the album.
In conclusion, Joyce Manor’s sophomore effort, “Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired,” is a testament to the band’s resilience and artistic growth. I give this album a 5/5, as I enjoy every track the album has to offer.