Irving Plaza in New York, NY — October 16, 2024

There’s something unmistakable about a Joywave performance: it’s quirky, unpredictable, and above all, a blast from start to finish. Hailing from Rochester, New York, the band brought their eccentric blend of humor and infectious energy to a packed Irving Plaza last night. The trio—Daniel Armbruster (vocals), Joseph Morinelli (guitar), and Paul Brenner (drums)—returned to Manhattan, as promised, and fans couldn’t have been more ecstatic. “New York, we said that we’d be back, and tonight, the prophecy is fulfilled!” Daniel declared, setting the tone for what would be an electrifying night.

The setlist was stacked with both fan favorites and newer tracks, creating a perfect balance for old and new Joywave devotees alike. They kicked things off with “Graffiti Planet,” immediately igniting the crowd. This was followed by an array of their signature genre-blending anthems, including “Scared” and “Obsession,” which filled the venue with synth-infused indie rock goodness. But it wasn’t just the music that stole the show—it was Daniel’s sharp wit and bizarrely entertaining antics that kept the energy at an all-time high. At one point, Daniel teased the crowd, “Next stop on tour is Europe where they hate us, so we gotta go extra hard tonight.” The audience roared with laughter, feeding off his playfully sarcastic charm.

Yet, the true spectacle came when Daniel introduced a “cutting-edge technology” moment: a giant cat sitting on a rotating table. “Do you guys want to see some cutting-edge technology?” he asked, pressing a button that suddenly made the cat purr loudly, sending the crowd into a frenzy. “Do you guys like that? Boston f*cking loved that last night,” Daniel said with a sly grin. As strange as it sounds, the moment perfectly encapsulated what Joywave does best—delivering the unexpected and making the odd feel like the most natural thing in the world. The setlist hit a high point with tracks like “Tongues” and “Somebody New,” both of which had the crowd dancing and singing along at the top of their lungs. Joywave’s ability to blend driving rock rhythms with synth-heavy elements shined on “787 Dreamliner” and “After Coffee,” with the live versions sounding even more explosive and dynamic.

As the night wore on, the trio didn’t let up. The audience was treated to a mix of high-energy bangers like “Funny Thing About Opinions”, as well as introspective cuts like “Swimming in the Glow.” Each song was delivered with an enthusiasm that resonated deeply with the audience. Daniel wasn’t done with his antics just yet. As the band prepared to wrap up their set with “Destruction,” he announced that they’d perform it again—this time, “once more with feeling! (and more electric guitar).” True to their word, they delivered a powerful, guitar-heavy encore of the track, much to the audience’s delight. The second go-round of “Destruction” was a cathartic release, with the crowd jumping and shouting every word.

As the final notes rang out through Irving Plaza, Joywave had, once again, cemented their status as one of indie rock’s most distinctive and thrilling live acts. From Daniel’s banter to the surprise cat on a spinning platform, the night was a delightful collision of humor, technology, and undeniably great music. For those in New York who missed this wild night, be sure to catch Joywave next time they come through town. With their unpredictable antics and innovative approach to live performances, you never know what kind of ride you’ll be in for—except that it’s going to be a real good time.

Words & Photography: Chinaza Ajuonuma