Year in Rock 2011 Nominee: The Joy Formidable

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THE JOY FORMIDABLE
Whirring

From: The Big Roar
Released: January 24 (UK)

The debut album from England trio the Joy Formidable has caused quite a stir in their homeland.  The BBC, NME, and many other UK outlets praised the big sound of the album.  Of course, there's always one bad one in the bunch.  Upon its US release in March, Pitchfork gave it a more lukewarm reception, criticizing it for being too excessive.  Leave it to Pitchfork to scoff at something perfectly fine; lead single "Whirring" is huge, loud and melodic, and is still doing the slow burn on radio.  With this steadily rising success, plus knockout festival shows behind them, the Joy Formidable won't be flying under the radar much longer.

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