Lydia Night never hides her intentions, at least as far as album titles go.
Further Joy, the third record from
the Regrettes, is indeed a happy experience, almost functioning as a bit of a retort to
How Do You Love?, their emotionally charged sophomore set.
Night leaves behind a roiling romance along with the remaining vestiges of punk that lingered from their cracking 2017 debut
Feel Your Feelings Fool!, choosing to immerse herself and her band in stylish pop that echoes new wave while sounding of-the-moment in 2022. Working with producers
Jacknife Lee and
Tim Pagnotta,
the Regrettes push hooks to the forefront, then choose to decorate their melodies with gleaming synthesizers, vocal harmonies, drum loops, and effects; guitars are buried in the mix, pushing rhythms forward or providing a different shade or feel.
Night does indulge in some angst and profanity within her lyrics, but the thrust of
Further Joy is unmistakably positive, an album where
the Regrettes deliberately choose positivity instead of negative energy. This could've been a cloying direction if it weren't for
Night's sharp skills as a songwriter, the palpable chemistry of
the Regrettes, and the sleek shine of the production, each contributing to the exuberance of
Further Joy. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine