Tigers Jaw and Joyce Manor have been the closest of friends for well over a decade now. Both bands have seen, done and experienced it all together and apart over the years. Coming up in the scene at the same time, around the big emo boom of the late 00s, and have gone from strength to strength since. Now they have cemented that relationship in one of the most special ways that bands can. By covering each other’s songs. It’s the perfect prep for the duo to play shows together, all leading up to their appearances at When We Were Young this weekend.
First up is Tigers Jaw, who have covered “Constant Headache“. The song is taken from Joyce Manor’s 2011 self-titled debut album. It’s the closing track, as well as still one of the longest songs the band have ever put out. When handed over to Tigers Jaw, the band deliver the throbbing pace of it beautifully. Adding in their own visceral and shimmering sound, shown off best by the vocal solo from keyboardist Brianna Collins, it’s much more sun-stained than the original. Though none of the grungey undertones are still there, which makes it a fitting tribute.
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And then there is Joyce Manor, who have delivered a live version of “I Saw Water“. This track is taken from Tigers Jaw’s second album, which is also Self-Titled, from 2008. It’s a poetic masterpiece mixed in with teenage heartbreak and summertime adventures. What Joyce Manor do with it is quite extraordinary. Amping up the fuzz and turning such a glacial piece of pop-punk into a full-blown rock song. It is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
Vocalist Barry Johnson had this to say about the cover:
“Way back in September 2021, we were supposed to play Central Park with Tigers Jaw but due to rain the show was postponed til the following weekend. This was no biggie, except Tigers Jaw already had a show that weekend, so they had to drop. I got the idea to cover the song for the people who were disappointed Tigers Jaw wouldn’t be playing, and it ended up being my favorite moment of a very memorable set. I’m so happy it was captured by our sound guy Ty and that we didn’t have to go into the recording studio and try to recapture the magic of this performance. It’s truly one of my favorite songs ever and one of my favorite Joyce Manor recordings. Hope you enjoy it :)”
Both Tigers Jaw and Joyce Manor will both be playing When We Were Young this weekend in Las Vegas. They will be performing alongside the likes of blink-182, Green Day, The Offspring and so many more. idobi will be there all weekend, and you don’t want to miss what we have up our sleeves for you. Make sure you’re tuned in right here.
