Joyful Forfeit’s new single, “No Better. No Worse.” is a solid contribution to the modern shoegaze scene, mixing a familiar nostalgic vibe with a bit of fresh energy. Dropping on August 22 via Neon Bloodbath, the track was recorded by Tom Conran and mastered by Will Yip, whose touch really comes through in the song’s immersive and dynamic sound. The driving, distorted guitars are the heart of the track, creating a thick, almost enveloping sonic landscape that hooks you right from the start. The vocals are typically shoegaze, set back in the mix, allowing the instruments to lead while adding a haunting, ethereal layer to the whole atmosphere.

The production ties everything together nicely without dulling the song’s rawness. The brick wall mastering makes sure every part of the song hits hard, though at times it can feel a bit heavy handed. Still, the layers of sound blend well, creating a lush, textured experience that feels both wide and personal at the same time. The end result is a track that is as captivating as it is intense.

“No Better. No Worse.” is definitely worth checking out. Joyful Forfeit proves they can craft a powerful shoegaze track that feels familiar yet still hits hard. Whether you are deep into the genre or just dipping your toes in, this track shows the band’s knack for creating something that is both comfortably known and refreshingly intense, even if it does not stray too far from the genre’s usual path.