The Regrettes ~ Concert Alert & Further Joy Album Review 13Apr22

Ah yes, The Regrettes have dropped another studio effort called Further Joy, and they have added another Colorado concert date. I've seen Lydia and her mates a couple of times but not with the current lineup - which includes a new bassist & backup vocalist Brooke. We and the Yohanans had to cancel planned Regrettes concert attendance in Fort Collins during a wicked storm this February so I was stoked when they added a night, May 17th, at the Summit Music Hall in Denver. That's where I first saw them years ago. Tix are more expensive now but just ~$40 each. We are going. A big bonus is that a favorite Aussie power pop lady, Alex Lahey, is playing with the Regrettes that night (remember this awesome cover of Black Parade or her own Every Day's A Weekend)?

The Regrettes dropped a number of singles and official vids before the album was released so we have had some exposure to Monday, You're So F**cking Pretty, Anxieties, and That's What Makes Me Love You. There's only a couple good live clips recently: from KROQ HERE and on Kimmel Live HERE. The album and new works indicate Lydia is writing about more significant stuff than when she was a teen - but it's still authentic and the punk pop is still in there somewhere. Though, there are new producers and this album is a lot more poppy with many tunes a bit overproduced and otherwise carrying the same upbeat pace... it'll appeal pretty widely I expect. HERE is a decent interview with Lydia if you are up for that kind of review ~ she discusses the pressure and resulting inability to be joyful and mindful during the pandemic and that Further Joy is the light at the end of the tunnel, never achievable. She said most of the album was written on a Joshua Tree retreat by the band. Here's my play by play...

1. “Anxieties (Out of Time)” - Yep, anxiousness and recovery
2. “Monday” - Stress filled with repair required and "it's only Monday"
   
3. “That’s What Makes Me Love You” - Sweetish love song about Dylan Minnette
   
4. “Barely on My Mind” - Yeah, it means the opposite
   
5. “Subtleties (Never Giving Up On You)” - I sense this is self-affirmation regarding her body
   
6. “La Di Da” - Mental anguish from isolation during the pandemic
   
7. “Homesick” - Like it sounds, a song about missing a beau
   
8. “Better Now” - About moving from heart to head and being corralled by thought
   
9. “Rosy” - Syrupy love song
   
10. “You’re So Fucking Pretty” - Bluesy sound; song about lacking confidence
    
11. “Step 9” - Feelings from parental discourse
    
12. “Nowhere” - 2nd guessing great lives and more body issues
    
13. “Show Me You Want Me” - Desire turns to relationship and doubt is overcome