Is it time for another alternative-rock collective with a small but dedicated following to do the whole ‘breakthrough record’ malarkey? The Joy Formidable seem to think so.

Following up from the atmospheric debut, The Big Roar, the band stay true to the Sonic Youth and Breeders influence, while, dare I say it, carrying an additional dimension, —the elusive ‘anthem’ factor.   The first two minutes of ‘Wolf’s Law’ is a subtle embrace between gentle pianos, albeit ones with volcano lava waiting to spew out from below, and singer Ritzy Bryan’s tender battle-driven vocals.

And then BANG, the thunderous drums, strings, the anthemic outro we were all bracing ourselves for.  This song reclaims the term ‘epic’ from pretty much every 21st century moron.

See that, Joy Formidable? That’s your fan-base growing.