The Joy

Boston-based indie rock outfit Joy centered on vocalist and guitarist Matt Savage together with guitarist Daniel Madri, whose prior partnership had unfolded in Godboy. Select tracks further enlisted drummer Matt Dodge and guitarist Ariel Rabinovic. Joy’s self-titled debut, issued by Shrimper in 2003, reflected the lo-fi songcraft of Lou Barlow and the Mountain Goats while also recalling Guided by Voices’ balladry. The 2004 follow-up Hatred & Grief stayed within that framework, yet Devil’s Blues, again released on Shrimper in 2005, enlarged the band’s palette with piano and additional instruments.