Article & Photos by: Linda Carlson

Harrison, OH – On the western outskirts of Cincinnati lies quiet, sleepy, rural Harrison.  Its slumber was jolted on March 20 by several rousing performances at Blue Note.  On this night, Joyous Wolf performed in support of Buckcherry.

Joyous Wolf is a young band from Southern California, making waves and music at concerts and festivals for a just few years now.  Signed by Roadrunner Records, the band is engaged in a full-blown series of concerts intended to introduce rock fans to their new and innovative music and performances.

Lead singer Nick Reese is a physical performer, and by that I mean he does not merely man the microphone dutifully and sing.  Reese is…acrobatic.  He jumps and he… contorts.  The man is limber and entertaining to watch.  Indeed, as the band was setting up, Reese entered the stage quietly and unobtrusively, sat on the floor with his back to the audience, and with the crowd murmuring and clinking glasses in conversation, he slowly (slowly) did stretches.  He occasionally glanced over his shoulder at the crowd knowingly.  He was preparing for them.

The band shows remarkable talent, and a knack for showmanship.  Reese is comfortable in his skin, at ease with talking to the crowd and getting them involved in the performance.  His vocals are strong and delivered with the enthusiasm of youth.  Guitarist Blake Allard is likewise expressive, delivering a soulful and moving performance.  Drummer Robert Sodaro and bassist Greg Braccio filled out the roster, each adding impressive, integral support to night’s fare.

So much attention is paid to pop music these days, with the rock genre so often relegated to the sidelines.  Indeed, the Grammys did not even televise the rock awards earlier this year.  So, to see this level of energy and verve in a fresh, young rock band is encouraging for the genre.  It’s refreshing to see young talent like Joyous Wolf take the stage by storm and own it.

Joyous Wolf is touring incessantly.  Visit their website for tour information (https://joyouswolf.com/tour) and check out a concert near you.  Support the future of rock ‘n roll.