Joy Cleaner - “Cut My Teeth”

New Jersey power pop standard bearers Joy Cleaner sound relaxed on their brand new single, “Cut My Teeth.” Maybe that’s because they wrote the tune on guitarist Joey Degroot’s couch, and subsequently, recorded it on a rainy Saturday afternoon in the picturesque Hudson Valley.  Those types of settings are ripe for maximum tranquility, which is likely why they sound pretty at ease. At the same time, Degroot and bassist Kyle Wilkerson have their natural, well-developed chemistry to thank for their looseness. Across multiple projects, they’ve built a rapport and continue to churn out great, 90s-influenced alternative rock like a well-oiled machine.

“Cut My Teeth” is the latest example of their songwriting prowess. The track features a ton of clean-sounding guitars with Degroot managing to capture a twin guitar sound while wielding just his own axe. The harmonies are warm, and the song features a bit of a different-sounding vocal melody than we’re used to hearing from the trio. Degroot, specifically, ascends to a higher register in the chorus with excellent results. 

Stream the track below.

You can purchase “Cut My Teeth”l via Bandcamp or stream it on Spotify. Don’t miss the band performing tomorrow night (9/16) at Sip Studios in Jersey City. They’ll be joined by Janitor and Nicole Yun.

Keep up with Joy Cleaner by following them on Instagram.

Photo by Andrew Merclean