In an apparent bid to revisit all the bands I saw last year (my previous gig was Millie Manders and the Shut Up, who I also caught live in 2024), I found myself dragging my tired self out on a Tuesday night to see Jopy – a band I discovered and saw in the exact same venue less than a year ago. Some might call it déjà vu; I call it dedication.
I hadn’t even planned on writing a review this time around. I was actually looking forward to the rare luxury of attending a gig purely for the experience, without the pressure of capturing it all in words afterward. But as Jopy took to the stage, I realized they’re just one of those bands I can’t help but shout about. They’re doing something truly unique, and more people need to know about it.
The night itself was a musical feast, with three support acts warming up the crowd: Korda Korder, Camber, and Sasha Assad. Each act brought their own flavour to the evening, ensuring there was something for everyone. Korda Korder opened with soulful, heartfelt songwriting that set an emotional tone. Camber followed with their infectious indie rock sound, getting heads nodding and feet tapping. And then there was Sasha Assad, whose fun, witty tunes brought to mind the narrative style of Courtney Barnett – observational, clever, and effortlessly cool. It was a well-curated line up that showcased a great variety of talent.
Then came Jopy, and they did exactly what I expected – delivered one hell of a rock and roll show. There’s something about their music that just comes alive on stage. Don’t get me wrong, the songs sound fantastic on record, but live? That’s when they truly hit their stride. Loud, energetic, and bursting with fun, the tracks took on a whole new life.
They played most of the songs from their E.P. ‘Planet Zombie,’ along with a few new ones that were just as electrifying. Hearing the new material was an unexpected treat, and I can’t wait to see how those tracks evolve as they become more familiar. If the reaction from the crowd was anything to go by, Jopy’s future setlists are only going to get stronger.
What really sets Jopy apart, though, is the way they tell their stories. Using zombies, monsters, and even vampires as metaphors, they explore themes of trans and queer joy, celebrating differences rather than letting them be a source of pain. When I spoke to the band last year, they told me they wanted to bring joy to the community instead of focusing on the usual struggles and negativity, and they’ve absolutely succeeded. Their songs are anthems of liberation, wrapped up in a unique rock package that blends classic rock vibes with a touch of psychedelia.
In a music scene that sometimes feels saturated with the same old sounds, Jopy is a refreshing reminder of what makes live music exciting. They’re bold, they’re fun, and they’ve got a message worth hearing. If you haven’t seen them yet, do yourself a favor and fix that.
So yes, I may be repeating last year’s gig calendar, but when the bands are this good, why not?
You can next catch Jopy live at The Green Door Store in Brighton 27th Feb for their single ‘Twisting’ release show- tickets here
Jopy’s Socials: Instagram/Facebook
Article and photos by Hayley Foster da Silva
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