By Darren Grayer.
Formed in 2023, Better Joy is the creation of Manchester based singer/songwriter Bria Keely. She began writing songs at university and initially formed the band with Joe and Chris Peden, sons of producer, Mike Peden, who she was put in contact with by a friend.
Debut single, Hard To Love, was released in the latter part of 2023 and since then four more singles followed in 2024, leading up to last month’s six track ep, Heading Into The Blue. The band have been headlining shows for the last couple of weeks up and down the country on the back of it, and a sold-out Joiners (5/4/25) provides the last of those before heading off to Europe for a couple of dates. This is their second visit to the venue in a year after appearing at Wanderlust Festival last May.
Bria cites her influences as ranging from the Smiths and The Cure through to Phoebe Bridgers, mixing classic and contemporary sounds with chiming guitars and melodies that draw you in even on first listen. At the centre of their sound are Bria’s strongly, but beautifully, delivered vocals.
Better Joy immediately hit their stride upon taking to the stage, kicking off with Situations, one of those singles from last year, followed by lead track from the new ep, Couldn’t Run Forever. Instantaneously, heads nod and feet tap among the packed Joiners crowd.
New song, This Part of Town, is given an airing, followed by Quiet Thing, another song from Heading Into The Blue, with its rousing chorus “You might think that I’m a dying star, I can live forever wherever you are”.
In between songs Bria announces how delighted she is to be back in Southampton, and how the last week or so has been almost unbelievable having sold out three of the last four gigs, including tonight.
The New Radicals huge hit You Get What You Give provides the band with a cover version that goes down well with the audience, who are then invited to sing along with the catchy What A Day, a song that reflects on the vulnerabilities of life.
Plugged In is the closest the band come to ballad territory, and a chance for everyone to catch breath. It’s short lived though, with last year’s singles Carnival and the anthemic Waiting On Time following, which sees the Joiners crowd in fine singalong/dance along mode. And if they weren’t onboard enough it’s announced that drummer, Jamie Ford, is from Southampton and therefore playing a hometown gig, which sees them immediately chant his name. Those in the know will probably be aware of his involvement in the local music scene.
Steamroller is a song about getting angry. “It’s good to get angry sometimes,” suggests Bria, although she’s clearly a long way from those feelings right now.
Remaining single from last year, Dead Plants, about the need to end a relationship, wraps up a very entertaining set, although the crowd obviously want more. “Sorry, we’re going to have to play something we’ve already done again”. It’s quickly decided that song will be Carnival.
If tonight is anything to go by, Better Joy have done themselves a power of good in the last few weeks being out on the road promoting new material. The blend of upbeat, guitar driven indie pop may not be groundbreaking, but Bria Keely is proving herself as an adept songwriter who clearly has an ear for an uplifting tune. Her band are excellent, especially guitarist Joe Peden, whose intricate work is a joy and should they stick together, it will ensure bright things continue to happen.
Earlier in the evening, young Southampton band, The Haldane Effect kicked off proceedings. Looking quite Goth in their appearance, they also produced a sound somewhere along the lines of the Velvet Underground/ Jesus and Mary Chain, albeit still finding their feet as a live band, more support slots should serve them well.
They were followed by Portsmouth singer/songwriter, Harvey Jay Dodgson and band, who looked and sounded the real deal, with a mixture of Arctic Monkeys style indie rock, fused with pieces of classic garage rock and soul. A very natural performer, and certainly one to keep an eye on.
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