Liverpool Meets London: Permanent (Joy)
Permanent (Joy) emerged from a pivotal moment of transition, reshaping both their identity as a band and their approach to music. Born out of the dissolution of their former group, Blondes, the band embraced the opportunity to recalibrate, crafting a sound that feels fresh and unrestrained. Their story isn’t one of dramatic reinvention but of natural evolution—a group of musicians discovering new boundaries together. From the start, their connection has been palpable, both in their music and in their interactions, making Permanent (Joy) a band worth watching. Combining indie rock with experimental flourishes, their sound is as dynamic as their journey, marked by reinvention. With their debut EP set for release on the 8th of March, Permanent (Joy) is ready to captivate a wider audience.
In a recent conversation with three of the four band’s members—Alex Davison, Dan Stroud, and Noah Roche—they opened up about the journey from their early days as Blondes to the creation of Permanent (Joy), the challenges of going independent, and the inspirations behind their upcoming EP. Here’s what they had to say.
After meeting at Nottingham University, songwriter and lead singer Davison and songwriter and guitarist Stroud helped form Blondes. The group gained success, including a record deal with an American label, but ultimately disbanded following the departure of their lead singer. "It was devastating at the time," Davison reflected. "But looking back, we took it as far as it could go. Starting over with Permanent (Joy) felt like the right decision."
Although they initially decided to continue as Blondes, Stroud said that the shift in band dynamics and sound made them realise that they needed to refine themselves into something new. "We needed to be a different band," Stroud explained. "With Alex singing, it just felt like the tunes were different – out of fit – it just felt like a different band."
In the year since the breakup of Blondes, they have brought in Dave Annis, who had previously toured with Blondes and recruited Roche, a producer-turned-bassist. "Noah was the final piece of the jigsaw," Davison explained. "There was a long period of figuring out what we were going to do. We've always worked well as individuals and wouldn’t bring someone in who didn’t fit into that, not just as a musician. We wanted all to be in it for the right reasons and to believe in it." This collaborative spirit is evident in their songwriting process, which the band described as fluid and multifaceted. Operating independently, Permanent (Joy) has embraced a DIY ethos, assembling their own infrastructure with the help of management and local collaborators. "We’re fortunate that the success we had with Blondes has allowed us to fund this project," Davison noted. "It’s challenging to do everything ourselves, but it’s also incredibly liberating." This hands-on approach extends to their creative process as well. "The songs on the EP came together in different ways," Davison explained. "Some originated with me, others with Dan, and some emerged organically when we were all playing together. That variety keeps things fresh."
Drawing influences from Radiohead, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Fleetwood Mac, Permanent (Joy) is carving out a distinct identity with a versatile sound that blends indie, alternative, and even jazz-inspired prog. Their breakout track 'Josephine,' a standout from their six-track EP, exemplifies their character-driven lyrical style. "The song tells the story of two other people, but it’s influenced by my own experiences," Davison explained. "There are small mosaic pieces of things that have happened to me that I weave into the story." Gaining traction on TikTok and Instagram, "Josephine" has validated the band’s artistic vision and connected them with a global audience. "Seeing our music connect with people globally is incredibly rewarding," Roche added.
One particularly striking song on the EP, called 'Untitled,' is a spoken-word piece born out of a burst of inspiration. "Dan had this guitar idea, and then we brought Dave in on the drums," Roche recalled. "Alex came in the next day and wrote the poem in about half an hour, which blew my mind. He was just listening on headphones, walking around the corridor, and then said, 'I’ve got it.'" Influenced by the stream-of-consciousness style of Fight Club and American Psycho, the piece delves into themes of alienation and unreliable narration, adding a raw, introspective edge to the EP.
The band’s name, much like their music, emerged organically through collaboration and compromise. "I was constantly changing our private SoundCloud name," Davison said. "We landed on Permanent (Joy) because it was the only name we didn’t disagree on. When we searched to see if it already existed, we found that ‘Permanent’ is a Joy Division album. Dan liked it in brackets and we thought it’d make a great visual motif."
Liverpool’s energy has been instrumental in shaping the band’s evolution. "It's a city buzzing for creative people," Davison said. “We either play gigs at the Jacaranda where we have our headline show or watch other bands play. There are loads of small and bigger venues where we’ve gotten to know people in the music scene and it isn't as expensive as London.”
As they prepare to release their debut EP, Permanent (Joy) is gearing up for an exciting run of performances, including opening for Inhaler at the O2 Academy in Brixton on February 14th, and shows in Liverpool and London. "Support tours are vital for us right now," Davison explained. "They allow us to showcase our music to new audiences and build momentum." With a debut EP that promises to be both ambitious and cohesive, the band is quickly solidifying its place as one of the most compelling acts in the UK music scene. More than just a collection of songs, their music creates a carefully constructed narrative—a world unto itself—reflecting their bold artistic vision and drive to push boundaries.
To keep up to date with their music and journey, find them here on Spotify or SoundCloud
Instagram and TikTok @permanentjoyband
Edited by Julia Curry
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