Lovejoy

Sheer, whole-hearted, fun is the best way to sum up Lovejoy. They’ve harboured a beautiful sense of community and long may it continue.

The self-proclaimed “Zero Hit Wonder”, as plastered across their swanky t-shirts that tweens formed a line a mile long to purchase. That is simply the perfect tagline for Lovejoy headlining the UEA LCR on the final night of their tour. Despite the lead singer hailing from Ipswich, they were met with a stupendously hysterical crowd.

The indie-pop sweethearts formed in 2021 lead by successful Twitch Streamer/Youtuber William Gold. Gathering over 2 million monthly Spotify streams and a dedicated army of fans beckoning on their every move, they’ve blown up at an astounding rate considering lack of radio play or chart recognition.

From the moment they dropped “Perfume” opening the hour-long alt pop rollercoaster ride, it was difficult to hear the suave lead singer over fans screaming along. The high-octane euphoria of clanging guitars and swoon worthy falsetto continued with the Gavin and Stacey soundtrack worthy “Consequences” that had everyone bopping along. It’s impressive how they inject intoxicating nostalgia of late 00s, early 10s British alternative into every tune.

Similarities could be drawn to early material from Foals, The Kooks, Two Door Cinema Club and Arctic Monkeys.

Not only was their music drenched in euphoria, but their chemistry and stage presence were fizzling with delight. A particular highlight was trumpet player Leandra Badruza, flinging her hair around in the wind machine like she’s straight out of a Britney Spears music video. It makes such a difference when you can tell a band loves what they do, and all of Lovejoy were having a blast.

After the novel chants of “THREE MORE SONGS!” (Lovejoy fans are realistic, who’s ever had a one song encore?) Lovejoy return for one last party blasting through fan favourites “Concrete”, “Call Me What You Like”, and the bombastic finale of “The Fall”.

Sheer, whole-hearted, fun is the best way to sum up Lovejoy. They’ve harboured a beautiful sense of community and long may it continue.