Maximum Joy

‘A pivotal point in Bristol’s dub-informed lineage, Pitchfork compared Maximum Joy’s sound to “one of the Slits backed by the Gang of Four”

Maximum Joy - essential to the development of post punk/funk as Liquid Liquid or A Certain Ratio.The seminal 1980’s post-punk band Maximum Joy, reformed in 2015 spearheaded by founding member Janine Rainforth. They went on to release their new album P.E.A.C.E. in 2019 and played the inaugural We Out Here that year.

Formed in 1979, Maximum Joy was originated by 17 year old Janine Rainforth and Tony Wrafter they recruited other members Charlie Llewellin, John Waddington and Dan Catsis. Later the line-up changed to include Nellee Hooper, Kev Evans and Jeremy Hirsch.

"While their compatriots may have generated more attention..Maximum Joy have perhaps worn rather more well. Janine Rainforth’s vision and vocals at this distance sets them apart..a more recognisable link to the leading players of the ‘90s Bristol creative renaissance.