Possession

Released on the very day the world began to shut down in March 2020, Possession is Joywave's third studio album and perhaps their most conceptually cohesive work. The album centers on themes of control - who possesses our time, our data, and our attention. Sonically, it represents a refinement of the 'indietronica' sound they established on How Do You Feel Now?, leaning harder into digital textures and sample-based composition. A defining characteristic of the record is the integration of audio from the Voyager Golden Record, which lends a sense of 'humanity as a specimen' to the proceedings. Critics noted the album's sharp wit and its ability to blend radio-ready hooks with experimental flourishes. Tracks like 'Coming Apart' and 'Obsession' showcase the band's knack for rhythmic urgency, while 'Mr. Eastman' provides a more reflective, melodic conclusion. It stands as a pivotal moment in their catalog, moving away from the more eclectic 'mixtape' feel of earlier releases toward a singular, focused sonic identity.