Great news for fans of indie-punk outfit Spanish Love Songs: their much-anticipated album “No Joy” is out today, August 25, via Pure Noise Records! As a follow-up to their 2020 critically acclaimed album “Brave Faces Everyone,” “No Joy” represents an evolution in the band’s sound and thematic focus.
Comprising 12 tracks, “No Joy” is described as an “exhale” compared to its predecessor.
While “Brave Faces Everyone” focused on external struggles, “No Joy” turns the lens inward, encapsulating the band’s journey towards finding joy in the present moment, even if it isn’t the best one. “This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to figuring out how to translate what I hear in my head with more clarity,” explains vocalist and guitarist Dylan Slocum.
In a musical landscape often dominated by superficial themes, SPANISH LOVE SONGS continues to stand out with their unflinching approach to songwriting. Longtime fans will know that frontman Dylan Slocum’s brutally honest lyrics—often drenched in dread and anxiety—have been a hallmark of the band’s sonic identity.
“No Joy” proves no different but also shows a band still full of surprises. Critics and fans alike are hailing it as a phenomenal album, one that underscores a new layer of sophistication in both its thematic and musical elements.
The overarching message of “No Joy” is one of perseverance, a sentiment that not only resonates with the band’s own journey but seems to forecast a rejuvenated trajectory for them. As for the musical craftsmanship, the album is a treasure trove of rich elements.
Beyond the infectious singles, every track stands strong, contributing to the album’s cohesive and absorbing atmosphere. The album features a lush synth-driven backdrop, rumbling bass, and a chorus saturation that adds an enveloping warmth to the experience. It’s an album that, according to fans, you’ll want to keep coming back to.
For those interested in catching Spanish Love Songs live, they’ve announced a European tour supporting Hot Mulligan this fall, with many shows already sold out.
