Joywave at Gothic Theatre Denver

Posted on October 22, 2024
by Aimee

Joywave has been creating waves (pun intended) in the music world since their formation in 2010. Known for their catchy, synth-laden sound and eclectic style, the band first caught the spotlight in 2014 with the single “Tongues,” a collaboration with Big Data that took the indie scene by storm. Since then, Joywave has maintained a steady output of energetic tracks, often blending rock, electronic, and pop elements to keep things fresh and unpredictable.

I was lucky enough to interview lead singer Daniel Armbuster in 2021 and have photographed the band several times over the years. I made sure to be there when they played Denver’s Gothic Theatre recently and the trend of fun, danceable shows continues.

Over the years, Joywave has released several full-length albums, with Content (2017), Possession (2020), Cleanse (2022), and 2024’s Permanent Pleasure, featuring Daniel’s well-loved cat. Their albums often play with themes of technology, media, and the bizarre reality of modern life. Also be sure to check out their incredible music videos.

Known for their humorous stage presence and Armbruster’s witty banter, they add playful commentary and spontaneous jokes, making each show feel like a one-of-a-kind experience. For this tour, there was a huge blow-cat that matches the album cover spinning around behind the band. Per usual, Daniel launched himself all over the stage with half-growls and sneers, yet still managed to be super friendly and draw the crowd in with every song. Personally, I was excited to hear my favorite song, “After Coffee” from Cleanse.

Joywave finishes out the year in Europe, but I am sure they will come back around the States very soon. So, if you haven’t yet, give these guys a listen—there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself dancing before you even realize it!