Hassle Records reissue The Joy Formidable's 2009 EP, A Balloon Called Moaning, with additional material. This double album (16 tracks - 1 hr, 02 min, 25 sec) also includes a newly recorded acoustic Welsh language version...

Written and recorded in a bedroom over a decade ago by lead singer and guitarist Ritzy Bryan, and bass player and vocalist Rhydian Davies in North Wales, A Balloon Called Moaning was an instant hit. Rated 8/10 by NME, it was the first of the band's releases to feature their now iconic single 'Whirring' - a track that was named amongst Pitchfork's top 100 Tracks of the Year.

If you already own the original release you might be asking: "Is there any point in picking up this release?" The acoustic arrangements give the songs a whole new perspective and it's a nice touch (if a little gimmicky) to have the vocals in Welsh. It's a shame an English language acoustic set wasn't included.

It's a great indie rock album, and feels just as fresh today as it did 10 years ago. 'Whirring' has aged particularly well - and sounds like a completely new song on the acoustic version.

8

Nick Smithson