Further Joy

AlbumApr 08 / 202213 songs, 43m 41s82%
Pop Rock Electropop Alt-Pop
Noteable Highly Rated

When Los Angeles grrrl-punks The Regrettes broke through in the mid-2010s, they were known for their ferocious riffing and unapologetic attitude. On their third album, *Further Joy*, they lean into the light, pairing their withering observations on modern life with exuberant choruses and gleaming guitars. It\'s a move that shows off how Regrettes anchor Lydia Night\'s songwriting has evolved since her band\'s DIY days; the eff-the-world attitude that animated earlier Regrettes releases is still there, but songs like the buzzy disco cut \"Barely on My Mind\" and the bubbly shuffle \"Rosy\" channel that spirit into directions that go beyond three-chord punk and into pop\'s groovier, hookier outer dimensions. *Further Joy*\'s brightness also makes The Regrettes\' more pointed lyrics, like those of the world-weary recovery rebuke \"Step 9,\" leap out of the songs with increased intensity—a jolting combination that reminds listeners how, sometimes, smiles might not be expressing what they seem.

42

8 / 10

The Regrettes embrace their love of pop on Further Joy

The LA band sand off their rougher edges with this upbeat third album – without ignoring hurt, heartbreak or personal growth

4 / 5

Anxiety, self love and dancefloor bangers: The Regrettes leave the garage behind on third album…

Further Joy, the third record from the Regrettes, is indeed a happy experience, almost functioning as a bit of a retort to How Do You Love?

A lot has changed since The Regrettes were a teenage punk band on the road, making a name as the future of the feminist punk scene.

8 / 10

Music Review: The Regrettes - Further Joy