Mt. Joy Cuts the Frills and Gets to the Music
Mt. Joy is closing the summer out right with their laid-back, no-frills tour. Forgoing an opener and keeping talking breaks between songs to a minimum, they cut right to the case. Mt. Joy played two solid sets of new-age jam band music. Over two solid sets, the Philly-based band delivered a new-age jam band sound, blending original material with covers spanning genres—from ABBA and the Pixies to Avicii.
Mt. Joy was formed in 2016 after a pair of high school friends reconnected across the country and years later in Los Angeles. Eight years later, the band now tours the country as one of the most prolific bands in the indie, alternative, and Americana spaces, playing amphitheater shows and selling out Red Rocks.
Their music is an anthemic spin on the psychedelic rock sound pioneered by Phish and Grateful Dead. The crowd pipes up to join lead singer, Matt Quinn, in singing along to fan favorites such as the bridge of “I’m Your Wreck.” Quinn’s vocals are somehow soulful and rough in the same breath.
Their production utilized the space to its full potential with atmospheric lighting. Though the lawn was technically closed, many patrons who paid for seats opted to sprawl out on the grass to enjoy the music, fitting for the band’s earthy music. There is a tendency for bands, as they grow in popularity, to move away from playing fan favorites. Years of touring caused the hits to grow stale to the band members, however, Mt. Joy broke free from this mold, leaving very little for fans to complain about. The band played nearly every song off of their 2018 self-titled debut, closing the night with a powerful message to fans.
Their biggest hit, “Silver Lining,” from their aforementioned album, encourages those struggling with addiction to avoid hard drugs and find joy in life’s simpler moments. For many, music can be a powerful lifeline, making this a poignant note to end the night on. Mt. Joy’s ability to marry the message of their music and its ambiance in their live performances, make their shows a not to be missed experience.