Dr. Joy expands the definition of the word “single” on this sprawling extendo-jam from their self-titled debut. It should come as no surprise that the first collaborative effort from Toronto’s subterranean lifer Matthew “Doc” Dunn and psych-pop group Mr. Joy has resulted in gorgeously off-kilter grooves. Throughout his decades in music, Dunn has worked with MV & EE, U.S. Girls, Jennifer Castle, and countless others, bringing a multi-instrumental versatility to every project. In this apt alliance with the genre-agnostic quartet, Dunn is fully subsumed into Mr. Joy’s kosmische slop.
“Midtown” continues down the winding path laid out by Dr. Joy’s opening salvo, “Signed, the Body Electric.” As the nine-minute song patiently picks up steam, it stacks layer upon layer until becoming a shimmering mirage. Combo organs collide with breakbeats and a relentlessly grooving bass line with the airy vocals of Mr. Joy’s Blob Dylan floating overtop. Press materials for “Midtown” cite the influence of Rockit-era Herbie Hancock before describing the song as “the Star Wars cantina band raised on Silver Apples and Sun Ra.” If this was the music they played at Mos Eisley, Tatooine would be flooded with space freaks.
Dr. Joy’s self-titled debut album is out September 17th from Idée Fixe Records.