Joyous People (South East Corner)

For Joy Anonymous, *Joyous People (South East Corner)* is a time capsule of an unforgettable weekend. In June 2024, the London duo performed at Glastonbury and curated their own stage (“A dream come true,” they reflected on social media). Leading up to it, they collaborated with some of the artists they’d invited—including UK garage linchpin Todd Edwards and bassline heavyweight Champion—on new music, which they played out for the first time at the festival. *Joyous People* is the final form of those sessions. The EP’s five songs radiate warmth from the soulful emotion of their vocals and soaring builds for the open air. “JOY (Sun on My Skin),” with Edwards, which features Reggie Watts’ raspy falsetto over dreamy UK garage, is followed by the punchy footwork gospel of the Messie-assisted “JOY (No Slip in My Faith).” Champion boosts “JOY (If You Want)”’s sugary UKG with warped bass, and “JOY (By My Side)” blends Sammy Virji’s UK club with disco-house and swirling strings. While Joy Anonymous has always brought a joie de vivre to their music, the added swells of crowd cheers, taken from live recordings, make the album all the more ecstatic.