September 16, 2008 Fringe Arts

Happy Happy Joys Joys

Canadian indie band The Joys bringing Unfold to Montreal

by Johnny North

The Joys will be performing this Sunday in Montreal.

The misery, uncertainty and feelings of helplessness brought on from the death of a loved one helped bring inspiration and life to The Joys newest album Unfold.

“It’s all about life experiences. Of course with that there are ups and downs,” said Ken Ross, bassist for The Joys. “I think [Unfold] is very honest, true and diverse.”

During the writing and recording

of Unfold, lead guitarist Mike Mckyes’ mother was sick and eventually

passed away. “For sure it was a big inspiration,” said Ross. The emotion is shown throughout the album—upbeat indie rock songs like “Soul on Your Sleeve” and “Storm” are accompanied by lighter, heartfelt songs like “Unfold” and “Don’t Look Back.”

“For me personally, “Unfold” is so emotional,” said Ross. “The single we’re sending off to radio called “Storm,” it’s about the inner dynamics of a relationship—it’s good rock. I don’t think there’s one song that everyone likes, but people definitely like [the album].”

The Joys have been called “the very definition of indie rock” due to playing over 200 shows a year and constantly working on new material. It’s a definition Ross is not particularly fond of.

“I personally don’t like any labels, it’s all about do it yourself in indie rock,” he said. “We’re definitely hard workers and we all believe in what we’re doing, nobody sits around and does nothing—we all have our roles to play.”

For four years The Joys have been working out of London, Ontario to get their music out to as many people as possible. While creating Unfold was an emotional roller coaster, Ross finds the experience was far from a chore.

“We’ve been doing it for years. For people that really love it I don’t think it takes a toll on anybody,” he said. “We’re very fortunate to do what we want to do. Life is work […] right? You get what you put in and we put everything in.”

Ross is looking forward to their Montreal show. His last trip to Montreal was a memorable one thanks to the way Montrealers treated The Joys.

“It was absolutely awesome. The fans in Montreal are great. Everyone I met on the street was really polite and friendly. That was the first time I was there and I’m super excited to be back.”

The Joys will perform Tuesday Sept. 23 at The Pound at 377 Richmond St. Show starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are $6.