Joyce Manor originally started as a dup group in 2008, with vocalist and guitarist Barry Johnson and guitarist Chase Knobbe. The name "Joyce Manor" came from the name of apartment building by Johnson's house, which they thought of while at Disneyland. After being joined by drummer Kurt Walcher and bassist/ back-up vocalist Matt Ebert, Joyce Manor released a split 7" with Summer Vacation in the fall of 2010.
In 2010 the band also joined 6131 Records and in 2011 released their self-titled, full-length debut album. The album did well with critics with Punknews naming it the 2011 Album of the Year, which helped them gain an even bigger underground following. For the sophomore album, “Of All Things I Will Soon Grow Tired,” Joyce Manor made the move over to Asian Man Records in 2012. The album contains a cover of The Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star." Also in 2012, the band released another split record, this time with Big Kids Split EP. On 22 July 2014 Joyce Manor released their third album with Epitaph Records entitled “Never Hungover Again.” The ten-track album featured Hop Along’s Frances Quinlan on the cover. Aside from gaining popularity over their music, the band also garnered attention for their stance against stage diving, having interrupted several sets to deter stage divers.
Formed in 2005, the start of Tigers Jaw began to surface after Adam McIlwee (guitars/vocals) and Ben Walsh (guitars/vocals) began making music together. Their efforts soon developed into a full band, after Dennis Mishko (bass), Brianna Collins (keyboards, vocals) and Mike Pat Brier (drums) joined the pair and before long Tigers Jaw were performing regularly at various local venues.
The band released their debut album in 2006, titled "Belongs to the Dead." The release was recorded entirely in an attic which they used for their rehearsal space via a portable recording rig, with this raw cut distributed by Summersteps Records. Two years later, Tigers Jaw were once again in the studio, this time joined by producer Joe Loftus, with their self-titled album displaying a more refined sound, released on Photobooth Records. Following the album, touring in support of the release was limited, due to many members restricted by their academic commitments.
Despite unable to tour extensively, Tigers Jaw were still growing as an act, moving to Run for Cover Records in 2010. Their first two albums were re-released on the new imprint, helping to build anticipation for their third album, "Two Worlds." Following their third full-length, a series of split EPs arrived, alongside Balance & Composure, Sidekicks, Tiny Empires and Code Orange.
By 2013, Tigers Jaw's lineup began to unfold, after McIlwee, Mishko and Brier all decided to leave the group, with this announcement arriving just after the release of their new single, "Hum." Rumors of an indefinite hiatus surfaced, yet it soon became clear that Walsh and Collins, the remaining members, planned to continue regardless. Tigers Jaw did just that, with the pair being backed by a number of guest musicians whilst on tour, including Derrick Sherman (guitar), Andrew Fisher (bass) and James Fisher (drums).
Despite announcing they wanted to leave the band, Mishko, McIlwee and Brier still agreed to reunite with the band for the recording of their fourth album, "Charmer," which was released in March 2014. Bolstered by the return of their old band mates, Tigers Jaw embarked on a nationwide tour alongside Dads and Touché Amoré, continuing to raise the band's profile.
Punk rock band, Joyce Manor has had a cult following since they first formed in 2008. Barry Johnson (guitarist and vocalist), Matt Ebert (bass and back-up vocals), Chase Knobbe (guitarist) and Kurt Walcher (drums) all came from Torrance, California and are now traveling the world to perform their songs to all of their fans.
When you walk into one of their live sets, you can hear the murmur of excitement and anticipation as the crew sets up and tunes up the band’s equipment. And then as soon as the band comes onto the stage, you can immediately be deafened by the screams around you. The guitar and strong bass immediately hits you in the face, and the energy level hits an all time high. Just when you think the crowd can’t get any more excited, Barry starts to sing and everyone seems to go wild. The music takes over their body and there is so much movement. On top of that, the band is clearly in their happy place, to be performing in front of such a great crowd. Their between song banter is also great, they obviously have a great bond and friendship between one another. They give it their all from start to finish, and even that is not enough, because once they finish their set, the crowd calls them back for more, which they oblige with atleast another song or two.
Show was absolutely amazing. All the bands were so interactive and friendly with the crowd! People crowd surfing and stage diving every 5 minutes. Absolutely a must see if you haven't yet!