By Maggie Miles | December 18, 2023
📸: shot by Maggie Miles
Nestled in the heart of New York City, Knockdown Center is not just a venue – it’s an architectural anomaly, and it was the perfect backdrop for Joy (Anonymous) to cast their musical spell upon a packed crowd. Henry Counsell and Louis Curran make up the DIY electronic duo bringing London’s West Bank to the rest of the world. Fresh off the release of their second EP in November, their raw talent was palpable at the mid-December show.
The duo emerged as many now rising stars have; out of artistic necessity during the pandemic lockdown. With everyone at home, they wanted to spread their joy. Joy (Anonymous) started hosting popups around London’s West Bank, and the energy at the Knockdown Center echoed the rogueness of their early days. Their 2021 debut album, Human Again, earned the group a cult following, and going on tour with Fred Again.. launched them into a new stratosphere.
The packed crowd was waiting in anticipation as Henry greeted us and dove into their discography. Human Again leans towards disco-house perfect for a balmy summer day, while Cult Classics is perfect for a freezing winter night in a warehouse. The combination of moody vocals and up-tempo beats set the Queens audience on fire. Joy (Anonymous) left everyone feeling good as they were sent off into the late winter night.
Connect with Joy (Anonymous) on Instagram, Spotify, TikTok and their website.
