Best New Music: Mt. Joy “Coyote”

With a lengthy tour ahead of them and their fourth album, Hope We Have Fun, out via Futures x Bloom Field Records (May 30), Mt. Joy is making their presence known with a howl on “Coyote.” Right off the bat, the strange, almost alien noises of “Coyote” set the tone for a brooding bassline to come into the picture, leaving the listener on edge over what’s next. As lead singer Matt Quinn’s vocals come in, falling somewhere between whiny and self-assured, on this song, the band’s pop-leaning brand of alt-rock takes shape.

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However, “Coyote” is a different kind of beast than their usual forte, carrying with it a Radiohead-inspired interpretation of folk and blues that supercharges both genres. It’s a departure from what they are known for, which includes their 2018 folk hit “Silver Lining.” But the change is a welcomed one, broadening the five-piece’s capabilities in a hybrid of moods and genres that don’t often intersect yet come together, thanks to Mt. Joy’s direction.

“The song was originally inspired by the sounds of coyotes around Mt. Washington in Los Angeles while there on a writing trip.” Front-man Matt Quinn shares. “I wanted to make a tune that captured their vibe, creating a fun rock song that honored the coyote’s spirit. The full meaning of the track came together when, in the end, we realized a group of coyotes is called a band. I like to think that, retrospectively, it’s about us sticking together and bringing energy to people like this song does.”

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Last Summer, Mt. Joy performed with Local Natives at the Hollywood Bowl. This summer, see Mt. Joy on tour in LA at BeachLife Festival on May 4.

Visit Mt. Joy on Instagram and their website to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.

Listen to “Coyote” the new single from Mt. Joy below!