‘Match Light’, the debut EP by London via Greece five piece Joia, tells the story of a band trying to break out of the pigeonhole they may have inevitably found themselves hiding away in. Comparisons female fronted alternative bands have faced against some US female fronted pop punk band are something of a curse for all that follow still, but fortunately for Joia, they successfully avoid the inane comparison by delivering a more subtle take on alternative rock. Although peeking into the world off all-out full-attitude girl-rock (you would be forgiven for expecting ‘Let Down’ or ‘Our Time’ to explode into full guitar riff and raised vocal territory), the more reserved toning of the record surprisingly makes it altogether more engaging.
In fact, the alternative tag that has been stamped onto the record is only justified by the inclusion of prominent guitars, though that isn’t to say that ‘Match Light’ is “mainstream” per se – the song compositions should cater to those whose regular listening habits include either emotional rock or indie, and ‘Enough of You’ wouldn’t feel out of place on Deaf Havana’s ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’.
Refreshing as ‘Match Light’ may be, it still calls for something more. Despite finishing at the fifteen minute park and consisting of only four tracks, there are enough moments throughout the record to hint that Andrelos and co. are capable of much, much more. With a biography that claims influences as vast as modern pop, house/dance and Radiohead, the majority of the record feels comparably safe. Joia will certainly entertain those who already appreciate the genre, but they’re unlikely at the moment to pull in the masses without offering a hint of something unique.
‘Match Light’ showcases four excellently crafted and delivered power-pop/rock morsels that will undoubtedly sound huge live. By retaining the subtleties and refusing to follow in the obvious footsteps laid before them, Joia could be on the road to something big. This EP may fail to test the audience, but it will certainly get a few eyes on the band for what they do in the future.
BEN TIPPLE