Liverpool Mood Machines: Permanent (Joy) play Bristol
Words/Photos: Astrid Spragg
★★★★★
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Since the release of their second EP, ‘Mood Machine’, Liverpool- based band Permanent (Joy) have been gaining a huge following, and for good reason. Their debut EP ‘Despair Will Make Me A Modern Man’, featuring hit singles ‘Aeroplane’ and ‘Josephine’, released on the 8th of March 2025, and just under a year later, they have released a second EP.
Unsigned and self-funded, they use their complete creative freedom to experiment with sound and lyricism, creating completely original and unique records, with a refreshing sound fans can’t get enough of. Their May ‘Mood Machine’ UK tour, supported by Florentenes, stretched from Glasgow to Brighton, with fans coming from far and wide to watch them play.
Photo: Astrid Spragg / Permanent (Joy)
The acclaimed Bristol venue, The Exchange, was packed on the 20th of May, with fans lit purple by stage lights ready for Permanent (Joy). There were many friendly conversations between those who came early, about the new EP, the opening act and different setlist predictions. As the house lights dimmed and the preshow playlist faded out, four-piece Bolton band, Florentenes took to the stage. Having recently released their third EP, ‘Breaking News’, they played many new songs, each with a thrillingly innovative sound.
Though missing drummer Liam, who was sitting a GCSE, stand-in Nathan captivated the crowd, with a perfectly sharp and controlled sound. The entire band had an incredible energy, moving and dancing around on the stage, making for an incredible experience in the audience, with the whole room letting go of any inhibition and joyfully moving with the music. With many strong guitar solos, a heavy bass, and guttural lyricism, Florentenes are a band to get to know. Finishing their set with an untitled and unreleased song, they set the bar high for Permanent (Joy).
After an invigorating start to the gig, Permanent (Joy) came on with a ‘Lucky’; a single featured on their new album. The crowd was clearly captivated, with people inching closer to the stage to catch the best possible view. The room was amassed with dancing, and many fans were singing back lyrics to every song. Playing their fifth track, ‘Josephine’, from their debut EP, the room erupted with cheers, a song almost perfect on record, but somehow even better with raw, live vocals. Energy was being transported around the room, with not a single person staying still.
After many more popular fan favourites, like ‘Aeroplane’ and ‘Pick It Up’, the band played, on request of the greatest and most spirited fan in the audience, a girl called Thea, they played, from their debut EP, ‘Sometimes’, an equally encapsulating and heavy song, which casts a light on deeper topics like emotional pain and mental health. The band admitted that they hadn’t played the song in a while, and were not planning on doing so, and had to listen to it in the green room before their set and remind themselves of it.
The entire night was one to remember. The band were remarking on how it was their second time playing in Bristol, and the “last time was in like a rum shack to about ten people”.
Their final song, ‘I Wanna Go Home’ was a sentiment not held by many that night. Bringing out a red megaphone, and shouting lyrics through it at the crowd, the crowd sang back every word. When the set was eventually over, people hesitated to leave; afraid of missing a potential encore. But after being assured by venue staff, many made their way to the merch table to meet the band and get a signed copy of their new EP. Something that may soon be harder to get a hold of with their rapidly growing acclaim and global fanbase.
The crowd was immense. The feeling of joy was palpable. The audience leaving with echoes and reverberations of the bass in their chests. It was a night they will remember, as they wait in anticipation for the release of new music and future tours. Permanent (Joy) are ones to watch, and definitely to catch live if given the opportunity.