CD REVIEW: THE JOY EVELATION – Smile EP

Shane | 5 June 2015 | Reply

CD REVIEW: THE JOY EVELATION – Smile EP
Independent
May 2015
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8/10

The latest EP from Perth rockers The Joy Evelation sees their sound maturing from their Zeppelin-heavy origins.

Recorded in part in L.A. (the legendary Dino Maddalone and Dig Lewis guest on the rhythm tracks for one song, Only You) Mia Joy’s vocals have never sounded better. Still capable of hitting the heights of Percy Plant histrionics where necessary, Stain boasts a full, rich and honeyed texture throughout.

All three tracks feature an acoustic edge, Rob Garnett’s guitars alternately strident and delicate.

At times reminiscent of Heart at their best, Joy has described these songs as from the softer edge of their forthcoming second album, and with some swing in the bottom end, a flamenco edge to the acoustic flourishes – especially on Only You, and Joy’s tremulous vocal performance guarantees that the album will be a must-have when it is released late this year.