Its lyrics are culled from an unlikely source, advertisements from the Virginia Tech University History of Food and Drink collection. In the hands of Florence Shaw, they are recast as something deeply human. The delivery is casual but deliberate, and the found language serves as a guide for anyone going through emotional exhaustion. There’s no grand sermon here, instead, “Joy” serves as a kind of patient coach, taking people toward kindness and positiveness without denying that complex things can happen.
Dry Cleaning shows its post-punk cards, and they’re soaked in schmutz. Nick Buxton’s drums are still heavy and considered, with Lewis Maynard’s bass grounding the track with rough restraint. Tom Dowse’s guitar-notch work has plenty of space between, rather than filling the room. This delicate balance lets Shaw’s vocals breathe, adding weight to the track’s outwardly looking nature.
Co-produced by Cate LeBon, “Joy” comes across as carefully sculpted without sacrificing its rough edge. The production is a boost to the band’s pure chemistry, showing how well they work as an actual team rather than having any one element highlighted. Each section contributes to the song’s emotional heart. "Joy" sweetly encourages listeners to remember that kindness, toward oneself and others, can still be found in uncertain times. In its unhurried self-assurance, “Joy” is precisely what its title advertises, without ever having to raise its voice.
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Post Punk