Scared

Joywave

March 22, 2024

Review by: Grace Forrester

Artwork by Reuben Dangoor

On the heels of their support on Two Door Cinema Club’s latest tour and a couple of midwest dates, Joywave dropped their second single ‘Scared’ off their fifth studio album Permanent Pleasure. After the success among fans with the first single ‘Brain Damage’, along with the reveal of the full tracklist, the album’s release date, and a music video for the new single, Joywave gives us yet another glimpse into the band’s new era.

‘Scared’ tells the story of being afraid to love within a relationship, the feeling of being trapped inside yourself, even though you know it’s not only hurting you, but your partner. Vocalist Daniel Armbruster paints the tragic feeling of internalizing your self doubt while simultaneously working on pushing through those uncomfortable fears and striving for better. When the instrumental cuts out in the second chorus, leaving the listener with Armbruster’s high notes and the faint sound of cymbals, it almost feels haunting with the vulnerable lyrics “I wanna touch you but I’m scared. I really love you though, I swear. I had another nightmare, covered in sweat and unprepared.” 

Cutting in with a swell of guitars and drums, the bridge and outro echo the pessimistic despair of lacking security, repeating over and over and almost begging “Wish I wasn’t scared.” ‘Scared’ is raw and honest in nature and is a very exciting part to what is shaping up to be one of Joywave’s best releases yet.

For future releases and updates, you can check out Joywave on Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok. You can also find ’ Scared’ on all major streaming services, along with the music video on Joywave’s official YouTube channel.