A December to Remember: Grouplove, the Joy Formidable

[THE WAY WE WHIR] Making more noise than three prim Welsh musicians would ever be expected to make, the Joy Formidable creates a hurricane of sound—a stark alternative to headliner Grouplove’s manufactured pop eccentricity—crafting a perfect storm of crunching guitars and double-bass thunder that kicks the chest like a classic-rock outfit filtered through the grunge era. That’ll come as a surprise to anyone casually aware of the group whose “Whirring” has dominated alt-rock radio since last year, but its album, The Big Roar, packs a monster punch that’s wholly unexpected when Ritzy Bryan’s angelic voice teases the listener in. This is arty hard rock at its most assured, and with a new album slated for release next month, expect a peek at future explosions.

Where: Crystal Ballroom
Phone: 225-0047
Address: 1332 W Burnside St.
Website: www.mcmenamins.com