News Track By Track: The Joy Formidable - Wolf’s Law

Having spent the last few years playing arena dates with Muse and the Foo Fighters, as well as pounding the festival circuit and performing their own shows, it’s no wonder The Joy Formidable decided to escape the chaos and lock themselves away in a cabin in the woods for album number two, ‘Wolf’s Law’. To help you get your ears around the expansive strings, loud guitars and Ritzy’s distinctive vocals, we’ve got the Welsh trio to tell us all about the inspiration and meaning behind each of the songs. You can listen to the whole release now too, below.

This Ladder is Ours
It’s a song about encouragement, a song about starting over. A passionate plea to someone you love, who’s lost their lust for life.



Cholla
Written after a visit to the Cholla Gardens in Joshua Tree National Park. It talks about a broken relationship between a child and their mother; the negative side of unconditional love. The cholla as a symbol of something that gives life and that drives people away.



Tendons
It’s a beautiful, tragic love song, a poignant look at Rhydian and Ritzy’s relationship. How chaos has brought two people together, but ultimately unravels them.

Little Blimp
It’s a celebration of our friendship, the way the three of us have always pulled together.



Bats
It’s about tenacity, about having something to say. Welcomes uniqueness , slams a culture of celebrating mediocrity.

Silent Treatment
Being snubbed by certain people isn’t always a bad thing. It’s a song about coming to terms with a relationship that’s broken down.

Maw Maw Song
Greed and vanity juxtaposed against someone who has lost their appetite for life completely.



Forest Serenade
Inspired by the woodlands of Sebago Lake, Maine. It’s about finding a sanctuary, a happier place but realising that there’s no permanency , that maybe you’re destined to never be settled.

The Leopard and the Lung
Remembering the life and legacy of the very brave and inspiring Wangari Maathai.

The Hurdle
Inspired by a very strong childhood memory of a moment of discovery in the valleys of southern Portugal.

The Turnaround
Dedicated to Ritzy’s grandfather, who died during the making of this record. It’s about love, pride, the brevity of time.



The Joy Formidable’s new album ‘Wolf’s Law’ will be released on 21st January via Atlantic.