Joyce Manor Live in Brooklyn: Chaos, Crowd Surfing & Our TOP8 Favorite Songs

Photos:  Kim Hernandez

Wanna talk about a show that makes you feel alive? Joyce Manor reminded New York what that feels like. The band played a sold-out gig at Brooklyn Paramount on their I Used to Go to This Bar run, on March 24th, with killer supporting acts Militarie Gun, Teenage Mortgage, and Combat.

Before Joyce Manor stepped onto the stage, the room was on edge, and they pushed the anticipation all the way over. Imagine a scene where, before the show even starts, security is already warning: " This one’s gonna be rough.” Usually, that’s exaggerated. Not this time. The front of house was relentless with constant crowd surfers (in true Joyce Manor gig form), making security work overtime so concert-goers could have the time of their lives. 

It wasn’t just hype; the entire room was switched on, screaming every single word back.

They opened with “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives,” (a TOP8 Fave), immediately setting the tone, getting straight into it. Even with the chaos in the crowd, the band themselves kept things minimal and more on the chill side with a low-key stage presence; they definitely let the songs (and of course, the crowd) do the talking. In our opinion, that’s how you know Joyce Manor is iconic, the talent speaks for itself, they’re true to who they are and don’t need any gimmicks to get a room mesmerized. 

The energy seemed to pick up even more (how is that possible?) before the final song, “Five Beer Plan.” In a packed venue, the crowd still managed to make room for a full circle pit. The vibe all around was everything you expected it to be, plus some. 

Sadly, the band had to cancel two of their tour dates in Toronto and Detroit due to illness, but fear not, they have been rescheduled: Detroit on Thursday, April 23rd, and Toronto on Friday, April 24th. All tickets will be honoured for the new dates. 

TOP8’s Take?

There’s a reason why Joyce Manor is a band we will forever go back to. They put on shows that are pure energy, featuring a tiny bit of chaos in the best way ever. Not only do they have a discography full of hard-hitting bangers, but they also put you in a good mood with every single listen. They turn every stuck-in-your-head spiral into songs you can scream with every fibre of your being. They are that band that will always be memorable, and no matter what they release, you know it’ll be fun; it’s clear why they have a cult following. Joyce Manor shows you why the scene will always matter, and we’ll stand on that hill.

Our TOP8 Joyce Manor Spins:

Here are our TOP8 Joyce Manor songs you need to hear:

1. Catalina Fight Song 2. Grey Guitar 3. Orange Julius 4. Big Lie 5. I Know Where Mark Chen Lives 6. Constant Headache 7. If I Needed You There 8. Constant Nothing

SCENE SNAPS