By this point, seven albums deep and with a back catalogue most bands could only dream of,
Joyce Manor have nothing to prove. '
I Used To Go To This Bar' changes very little; in fact, it's just further evidence as to why Joyce Manor should be studied for scientific purposes. Surely no other band has ever been so prolific and so consistently excellent over a 15-year-plus period.
Lead singles '
All My Friends Are So Depressed' and '
Well, Whatever It Was' served as the perfect statement of intent, and they're destined to be firm fan favourites in the not-too-distant future. Most other songs on 'I Used To Go To This Bar' can make similar claims.
Opening salvo '
I Know Where Mark Chen Lives' (a nod to Television Personalities' 'I Know Where Syd Barrett Lives' and the reclusive Mark Chen from Joyce Manor faves Summer Vacation) and '
Falling Into It' are prime candidates; the former an off-kilter punchy pop-punk number with a naggingly infectious chorus, the latter a mid-tempo alt-pop jam that is just undeniable. They're both sides of Joyce Manor in microcosm, and in both cases, Barry Johnson and Co. absolutely nail it.
