SAY Award 2023's nominees explained: Joesef – Permanent Damage
As 2023's Scottish Album Of The Year Award draws near, we're penning some handy primers on each shortlisted album to help you wade through this avalanche of musical goodness. Today we're chatting Joesef’s genre-blending debut Permanent Damage
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Act: Joesef
Album: Permanent Damage
How it sounds: A melting pot of delicious genres (soul, pop, jazz, psych rock) steadily marinating together on a gentle simmer. Emotionally charged lyrics disguised within layered vocals and stacked harmonies add weight to the lo-fi soundscapes, while things occasionally heat up in tempo and groove in tracks like ‘Didn’t Know How (To Love You)’, ‘All Good’ and ‘Last Orders’.
Known by many for his bedroom pop sound, this album manages to be more cinematic in its production (string arrangements open and close the record), operating in the same sonic universe as bands like Jungle (who, funnily enough, he has just toured America with) or occasionally even Tame Impala. Despite a relentless buoyancy to every track, Joesef’s storytelling comes from a much deeper place. From dissecting failed relationships, painting pictures of intimate moments and re-living feelings of infatuation or familiarity, Permanent Damage is confessional and personal while still holding you at a dream-like distance. This layer of sophistication is impressive from Joesef, who produces his own material alongside writing and performing it.
Speaking of performing, Joesef’s buttery vocals and strong falsetto lend themselves beautifully to the arrangements on this record. Always cosily nestled into the rest of the track rather than laying on top, he has successfully created a signature sound that will no doubt become instantly recognisable to listeners.
Top track: ‘Didn’t Know How (To Love You)’ is the one I can come back to again and again. A dance floor gem with real heart.
Do you come here often?: This is Joesef’s second time being nominated for The SAY Award, after his 2021 EP Does It Make You Feel Good made the Shortlist.
Why Joesef should win: Permanent Damage shows creative originality and showcases Joesef’s strong skills as both a lyricist and producer. This is a polished album that has solidified the Glasgow artist’s position in the wider UK music scene.
The SAY Award winner will be announced on Thursday 26 October.
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