Mt. Joy @ The Burl 6.20.18

“Mary Anne the Matriarch is stirring in the dark,” sings Matt Quinn (vocals, guitar) on “I’m Your Wreck” the first song off Mt. Joy’s debut, self-titled album; as he did at their sold out show at The Burl in Lexington.

Matt Quinn (vocals, guitar) leads the crowd in a sing along of Mt. Joy’s “I’m Your Wreck”

The album was only released in March of this year, yet the song “Silver Lining” has garnered nearly 10 million listens via Spotify alone and is the #1 record on AAA Radio, a huge accolade for a band that’s new on the scene.

Matt Quinn of Mt. Joy

While the album is decidedly folk-pop, the band isn’t afraid to take their songs for a ride. For instance, the opening track “I’m Your Wreck” was segued perfectly into “Bigfoot” with a long, smokey guitar session. And the progression of “Julia” > “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” (Otis Redding Cover) > “Julia” was highlighted by a punchy organ solo by Jackie Miclau (keys), ending with a incendiary guitar shredding by Sam Cooper (lead guitar).

Sam Cooper (lead guitar) shreds to end the ballad “Julia”

Throughout the night Mt. Joy peppered the setlist with some great covers, as well; including seamlessly thrown in renditions of Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”,  and Otis Redding’s “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone”.

Jackie Miclau (keys) of Mt. Joy

The album is heartfelt and nostalgic, with harmonizing lyrics like “Whatever happens there’s money in the mattress/And whatever happens please remember all the laughter”. Their shows are meant to be spent next to the ones you love, while remembering the good times and looking forward to the next one.

The 5 piece hails from Los Angeles and is slated to play 40+ more shows  with appearances at several festivals including Electric Forest, where they will be one of the only non-EDM-heavy bands on the bill.

Catch Mt. Joy when they come to a city near you! All tour dates and tickets can be found on Mt. Joy’s website.

SETLIST

I’m Your Wreck

Bigfoot

Jenny Jenkins

Astrovan

Ruins

Dirty Love

Sheep

Mt. Joy

Sado

Julia > Ain’t No Sunshine (Otis Redding Cover) > Julia

Silver Lining

Brown-Eyed Girl (Van Morrison Cover)

Cardinal