Sled Island & connectFirst present: Joyce Manor

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Joyce Manor

California good-time punks Joyce Manor are back with 40oz. to Fresno, the band’s sixth album in a career spanning over a decade. 

Formed in 2008 by lead vocalist-guitarist Barry Johnson and guitarist Chase Knobbe after a drunken visit to Disneyland, Joyce Manor’s self-titled debut album came out in 2011 and was named Punknews’ album of the year. A look back at the album on its 10-year anniversary from Pitchfork called it “the first definitive punk album of the Tumblr era” and the band itself “a SoCal Guided By Voices that exclusively drank alcopops.” With 10 songs that came in just under 19 minutes, the band explored crushes, getting drunk and feeling trapped in a small town — all staples of pop-punk — but with a distinct perspective and some songs that eschewed verse-chorus-verse structure. 

Listeners across lines of pop-punk, emo and indie agreed — this was something special. From there the band would continue to receive acclaim, sell-out shows and release an album roughly every two years, each tooling with what can be done that’s actually new in a genre with fairly strict restraints. Notably, third album Never Hungover Again marked the band’s signing to the legendary Epitaph Records and an evolution of sorts in sound. It turned up the already potent hooks to 11, added keyboards but kept the band’s signature malaise smouldering just below the surface. 

Now, the band will play one of its first shows following the release of 40oz. to Fresno (out June 10) at Sled Island, just a year after the 10th-anniversary remaster of its debut. With an ample catalogue of fan favourites and a new set of songs that are doubtlessly a next exciting chapter, it’s a damn fine time to be a Joyce Manor fan. 

Matt McNeil

Since splitting from duo Homer in 2020, Matt MacNeil has released two albums — a third is on the way — four sample packs with Kingsway Music Library and even signed a production deal with producer Frank Dukes and UMPG. As a solo recording artist, he makes indie rock that brings to mind the best of ‘90s grunge and slacker rock

Be Afraid

This rock ensemble is known for cheerful, upbeat tracks and melodic hooks that immediately transport you back to the awkward, quirky days of youth, exemplified in its 2020 EP Remember Fun released on Hidden Bay Records. If you’re looking for a shoulder-roll or toe-tap as opposed to head-banging, this band is for you.

Pope Joan

Calgary’s Pope Joan is loud, thrashy indie rock specializing in four-chord goodness that wouldn’t be out of place in grunge-era Seattle. Pope Joan’s shows are high-energy, and the band plays with every ounce of juice (and noise) it has. With songs like “Judy Never Says Hello,” it’s obvious why Pope Joan compares the band’s sound to a pissed-off retail worker. Rock ‘n’ roll, let’s go.

 

UPSTAIRS

WUT

A pop-punk band with addictively melodic bass lines, Vancouver trio WUT makes socially conscious/anti-capitalist ditties about things like gentrification, prohibitive housing prices and unsafe work conditions. It’s frankly shocking that the songs manage to be so damn catchy when they deal directly with life’s bummers. True to form, the band released a visual album in the midst of the pandemic, a collection full of bright colours, beaches and drag makeup.

Surf Dads

Anyone who’s seen Surf Dads live can tell you to prepare to be blown away. With six releases in seven years of existence, Surf Dads has built a catalogue of hook-laden pop punk that manages to be cathartic and catchy at the same time. With a new record on the way this summer, expect that same energy for brand new tracks on stage.

Debate Club

After two EPs and one album, Montreal trio Debate Club has moved away from its garage-rock roots into a sound more influenced by shoegaze and dream pop. You can still hear the pep in the band’s step but an extra layer of fuzz and reverb has added extra depth to the Debate Club experience.

betaboys

Featuring members of Port Juvee, Thomas Thomas and Julius Sumner Miller, betaboys makes synth-leaning pop that blends modern indie rock with the nostalgic tones of late ‘80s new wave. With an easy-going attitude and plenty of stage presence, Betaboys bring party pop gems to life.

 

About Sled Island

The Sled Island Music & Arts Festival is a five-day, multi-venue festival taking place June 22 - 26, 2022. The full lineup and schedule is at SledIsland.com. 

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Sled Island. All festival attendees agree to abide by Sled Island's safer spaces and inclusion policy, which can be found here.

Sled Island acknowledges Calgary as the traditional territory of the Blackfoot and the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Ĩyãħé Nakoda First Nations, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Wesley First Nations. Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.