Mt. Joy’s Self Titled (2018)
8/10
Image credit: Album cover for Mt. Joy by Mt. Joy. © Dualtone Records. Used under fair use for review and commentary purposes.
Mt. Joy are an American indie rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2016. The group was originally founded by Matt Quinn and Sam Cooper, longtime friends who began writing songs together as high schoolers in Philadelphia. Years later, both ended up living in L.A.—unaware of each other's presence—until Quinn discovered Cooper had moved there as well. Their reconnection sparked a new wave of songwriting, and they named their project after Mount Joy, a hill in Valley Forge National Park near their hometown.
The current lineup includes Matt Quinn on vocals and rhythm guitar, Sam Cooper on lead guitar, Sotiris Eliopoulos on drums, Jackie Miclau on keyboards and piano, and Michael Byrnes on bass. One of their first breakout tracks, “Astrovan,” was recorded by Quinn and Cooper with the help of Byrnes—whom they met through Craigslist—and Byrnes’ then-roommate and producer, Caleb Nelson. That single, along with the politically charged follow-up “Sheep,” caught early attention and led to the addition of Eliopoulos and Miclau, solidifying the band’s core lineup. In 2017, they signed with Dualtone Records and released their self-titled debut album the following year.
The second track on the album, “Dirty Love,” features a ukulele-driven introduction and chilling lyrics about the craving for pure, meaningful love in a world where it often feels chaotic and unfulfilling. The song builds with thunderous drums, evolving into an emotional anthem that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Immediately following is the standout track “Silver Lining,” where Quinn explores themes of self-liberation and emotional release. Backed by soaring acoustic guitar and one of Quinn’s strongest vocal performances, it's no surprise that it became the band’s most popular and defining song.
Later in the album, listeners are treated to “Astrovan,” the first track ever recorded by the duo. With its hypnotic melody and surreal lyric—“Jesus drives an Astrovan”—the song offers a spiritual reflection on American culture, religion, and the search for meaning in uncertain times.
Mt. Joy have since established themselves as one of the most compelling acts in indie rock, known for their genre-blending sound, poetic lyrics, and powerful live performances. They’ve performed on major festival stages including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Newport Folk Festival, and have toured alongside artists like The Lumineers and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Just three weeks ago, they released their fourth studio album, Hope We Have Fun—a mystical, blues-infused indie rock record that showcases some of their best songwriting to date. In 2023, they dropped a critically praised live album recorded at The Salt Shed in Chicago, capturing the raw energy of their December performance. Continuing their upward momentum, Mt. Joy will return to Chicago to headline the United Center on September 13, a major milestone that cements their rise from grassroots streaming success to arena-level act.
