I Used To Go To This Bar- Joyce Manor Returns with a Powerful & Dynamic New Album

Joyce Manor have cemented themselves as a pop-punk staple, surviving the Tumblr era, and continuing to reach the hearts of old and new fans alike. As of January 30th, they have returned with their seventh album, I Used To Go To This Bar, 4 years since their previous album release. Coming in at a mighty 19 minutes, this 9-track album will have you feeling all of the raw and hard-hitting emotions, but it wouldn’t be a Joyce Manor record without that. If you’re familiar with the band, you know that they are no strangers to a short album, but they really have no need to expand past the 20-minute threshold. Since their formation in Torrance, California in 2008, Barry Johnson, Chase Knobbe, and Matt Ebert have gained a cult following through their high energy anthems. Joyce Manor frequently explores the less-than-joyful experiences of life, with songs that welcome the opportunity to scream and dance it out at the same time. If you haven’t sung “Constant Headache” at the very top of your lungs, you’re lying. From playing basement shows to some of the biggest music festivals in the world (with an upcoming Coachella performance this year!), they have remained true to themselves as artists, earning the loyalty of their fans, and creating a strong reputation.

Starting at the top of the track list, “Falling Into It” diverts from what you’d typically expect out of a Joyce Manor song. Their incorporation of synth in this track adds a little flair and makes for a catchy tune. On the flipside, there’s one song in particular that strongly carries the classic Joyce Manor sound, as it stems from a former era of the band. “Well, Don’t It Seem Like You’ve Been Here Before” is a re-recorded version of the 2009 demo titled “Fuck Koalacaust”, which is featured on the 2020 compilation album, Songs From Northern Torrance. While the original “Fuck Koalacaust” is much grittier, the re-recorded track is cleaned up and matches the atmosphere of the rest of the album. This is a nice homage to their beginning as a band, which is a treat for long time listeners, and opens the door for new fans to explore the history of Joyce Manor. This also stands as a testament to their authenticity, as they were able to re-record a song from 17 years ago into their current style, and both versions undeniably carry the spirit of Joyce Manor. The titular song, “I Used To Go To This Bar”, reminisces on a past time, reflecting on experiences shared and lost. Paired with an energetic, pop-punk background, this song perfectly encapsulates the duality that is often found throughout their discography, bringing a bit of a fresh twist with it. Following that same note, one of my personal favorite tracks on this album is “All My Friends Are So Depressed”. We see that same duality in a bit of a new form, with a really fun, folk-punky acoustic riff that brings me straight to my feet. Paired with Barry Johnson’s tranquil yet passionate vocal tone, I can’t help but want to dance, despite the bit of heaviness within the lyrics.

The 4-year wait was well worth it. Joyce Manor came back with a force, reminding us yet again why they are so beloved. It’s wonderful to see Joyce Manor evolve as artists, while still doing what they do best. They will be hitting the road next month to celebrate the release of this album, stopping in 30 cities throughout the United States and Canada. Joyce Manor’s hard-hitting songs become even more intense in a live setting, providing fans with an enthralling experience. Catch new tracks from I Used To Go To This Bar, and classic Joyce Manor hits in a city near you, if not on this tour, hopefully the next. :)