Joyce Manor Embrace Their Roots With New Single
Written by Gianna Cicchetti
Graphic by Rebekah Witt
Four years out from the divisive Million Dollars to Kill Me, Joyce Manor has finally returned with a new single from their upcoming album, 40 Oz. to Fresno, entitled “Gotta Let It Go.” This mainstay band from the Tumblr emo era has consistently evolved and stayed true to why fans love them in the first place. Even after signing to renowned rock label Epitaph several years back, the rawness and DIY ethos of Joyce Manor have shone through, and that’s no different on this new track.
About the new record, frontman Barry Johnson said that it makes him think of “early tours, drinking a 40 in the van on a night drive blasting Guided by Voices and smoking cigarettes the whole way to Fresno.” This first taste of 40 Oz. suits this description perfectly, feeling like a classic Joyce Manor track that could have been on their self-titled debut way back when.
“Gotta Let It Go” makes so much sense being the band’s next release after putting out a compilation of songs from the band’s beginnings in the late 2000s entitled Songs from Northern Torrance. The vibe of the song takes you straight to a house show, just like in the accompanying music video, with a newfound heaviness that matches the energy of Barry Johnson’s shouts. After Million Dollars to Kill Me’s revealing of the band’s softer side, it was almost a surprise to see the band return to form with another short, punky track.
The lyrics of the song reminisce on the past, and are as simple as a lot of Joyce Manor’s discography tends to be. The catchiness of the refrain “You’ve gotta let it go!” makes sure this song is all you’ll be thinking about for the rest of the day. The entire song’s atmosphere takes you right to Torrance, California, as if you’re actually messing around with the band and making these memories with them.
Joyce Manor is a band that never seems to disappoint, and their loudest track yet keeps that statement true. There’s a reason why indie kids and pop-punkers alike refer to this band as one of the greatest of the past decade. Their relatability and simplicity transcend whatever box the band is put in, and they just keep growing and maturing with time holding their roots close.
Look out for 40 Oz. To Fresno, releasing on June 10th, and definitely try to catch Joyce Manor as they open for The Story So Far across North America this Spring!