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Issue #49 May '03 Do you seek an alternative to "Alternative"? Special Delivery by Injoy provides one of the freshest slices of Alt. Music since Alternative became the buzzword of the ‘90s. So much so, and that much more, we can only call it “Alt. Alt.” Starting with “It’s Go Time,” Injoy quickly introduces us to the band. The tight rhythm section of Jeff (drums), Jess (bass) and Kyle (sax) carries us right into a vocal that instantaneously grabs us – Steph (vocals and rhythm guitar) has a beautiful natural voice with a smoothness that floats and soars all at once: using delicate harmonic notes she captures and enraptures us, purposeful phrasing within dreamlike soundscapes that purr and howl in an irresistible grace that glides its way into our spirit. This all delivers us to Chris (guitar and backing vocals) with the unmistakable ability of a guitar virtuoso. Weaving the notes through the rhythm and vocals like a gymnast on a set of uneven bars, he deftly picks his openings while balancing the song within the routine, until the time comes for him to unleash a spaced-out solo which furiously flies off with Steph’s surreal background vocals, while remaining fixed until landing firmly. Talent. Injoy prove themselves to be much older and wiser than they actually are (rumors abound that none are over twenty) as artists, slamming together and having everything click. Yet, they do it with a rawness that provides the true spirit of DIY (dig the simple elegance of their individually hand decorated CD labels), for what better to define an independent band, in any era, but that of the “Do It Yourself” – the confidence and character that accompanies those who have and display the ability that can only be labeled as “Natural.” Injoy showcases their songwriting and performing
abilities with The Sax finally takes center stage during “Camel” giving us an INXS factor, while making a bit of a foray into Romeo Void territory. Check out the reverbing guitar chords and Go Go’s harmonizing vocals (also lending themselves to Bonnie Hayes and The Wild Combo) as “Wheeeeewww” we have some B-52’s fun – “Na na Na na Nanana Na.” Bringing down the tone for the final two compositions, it is here that Injoy really sinks in. “Waiting For You” uses a bare acoustic guitar to draw attention to Steph’s purloin vocals, which concentrates our attention on the lyrics, while the band erupts and secedes with aplomb. We also get a greater sense of the tales we’ve been hearing; that of adolescence presented through a very mature point of view. For, Injoy as a band focuses on the aspect of youth through the insight of those much older and wiser, and this is pronounced in every way – the writing, arranging, and playing of the instruments, the wording and delivery of the lyrics, and the subjects that are broached. Perhaps the closest it can be described is: The Lemonheads channeling Neil Young with Juliana Hatfield singing. Closing out the CD is “I Realized,” stripped to only an acoustic guitar this extremely touching love song showcases Steph’s vocals. So natural, so beautiful, so heartfelt that it moves us to the actual realization that she is singing about. Love; pure, simple, unaltered love. After all, isn’t it what some search a lifetime for? Isn’t it what some think they have found, time and time again? How do you describe the feelings that run through you when you do realize that you have it found it? And, how can you actually place it into words that can transcend age, gender, and every other social barrier that separates us into all our individual cultures, and generations? And, how can these words come from an adolescent who can’t possibly be able to understand every nuance of the intricate structure known as true love? “It’s here and it’s so beautiful / Steph’s incantation of these three simple sentences is enough to bring tears of joy. Injoy. Special Delivery by Injoy
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