JOY
noun
1. a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
verb
LITERARY
1. rejoice.

That is exactly what you feel from the very first time you immerse yourself in the varied sounds of JOY (Anonymous), ranging from House, Garage, Disco and Pop. A celebration of Dance culture in the capital, JOY (Anonymous), consisting of Henry Counsell, and production/creative partner Louis Curran, took to London’s South Bank during lock-down to perform exclusively, connecting with the community that have longed for the moment when they could bask in the joy of wonderful music, to feel good once again, and connect with one another.

As vibrant as the city lights serving as the backdrop along the River Thames, the silhouettes of JOY (Anonymous) perform stand-out tracks ‘Overcome’, a euphoric UKG groove with a soulful, infectious hook, ‘Human Again’, a mix of monologue and an inspiring chorus, just as catchy as the previous, with a rhythm sprinkled with sunny vibes. ‘Meet Me In My Dreams’ is a fusion of House and Garage vibes, one that you might find yourself closing your eyes, feeling the vibrations, longing for that special one that you miss.

Music is supposed to touch the soul, it’s the universal language that speaks to us and reveals to us our deepest emotions, and so we can express and be ourselves. Like searching for that one partner, that dance partner in life, that understands you, and connects with you, the duo’s music does just that. The anonymity that comes with their music was due to the people they met from all walks of life, from NHS workers and the police to the homeless, who all gathered at their raves to tell their own story. This is the kind of catalyst for the ethos that they are built on, inclusivity, and as they explain, “The reason why we want Joy Anonymous to have the same inclusive feeling as other anonymous groups is to let people feel like they are part of a real community, because I feel that is missing today.” They continue, “Without community and music, we can easily feel lost and like the world is against us. But if you start with small steps of appreciating your feelings, you will always be part of Joy Anonymous.”

These two eclectic geniuses whose music spans many genres, incorporating elements of House, UKG, Soul, Disco and Pop, have already earned co-signs from the likes of Fred Again and The Blessed Madonna, plus ‘Overcome’ was premiered on The Blessed Madonna’s BBC Radio 6 Music show recently. Along with their spontaneous al fresco performances, dubbed as the “Lockdown Pied Pipers” JOY (Anonymous) have captured a poignant time in our lifetimes, standing as a reminder that good times are ahead.

So take in the debut album/EP from JOY (Anonymous), and leave your feedback in the comments section.

Stream/Purchase ‘Human Again’, via Island Records/From Concentrate, now: https://joyanonymous.lnk.to/HumanAgainAlbum

Follow JOY (Anonymous): Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

*Photography By @qu_nn

 

 

 

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Bandcamp | Email: deathkissmedia@live.co.uk