Wait to Pleasure cover

Wait to Pleasure

No Joy · 2013

46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

Dense layers of reverb-soaked guitars intertwine with ethereal vocals, creating a dreamlike yet disorienting soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hare Tarot Lies — This track exemplifies the album’s blend of catchy melodies with a hazy texture, standing out for its haunting chorus that lingers long after listening.
  • →
    Slug Night — Featuring a driving rhythm paired with swirling guitar riffs, this song captures the visceral energy of the band while highlighting their shoegaze influences.
  • →
    Pleasure — At just over two minutes, this track distills the essence of No Joy’s sound into a concise burst of intensity, showcasing their ability to create impactful moments quickly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album blends atmospheric production with unconventional structures, creating a unique yet cohesive sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features dense layers of guitars that create a wall of sound, often obscuring the ethereal vocals.
  • Tracks frequently employ a slow build-up, with many songs starting quietly before layering in additional instrumentation.
  • Several tracks utilize unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats for more fluid transitions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dreamlike soundscapes for introspection
  • jagged shifts that surprise listeners
  • short tracks for quick immersion
  • atmospheric layers to explore deeply
  • late-night listening with dissonance

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward, catchy melodies
  • prefer longer, cohesive compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released as No Joy's sophomore album, Wait to Pleasure came after their debut, Ghost Blonde, which established their signature noise-pop aesthetic. By this time, the band was refining their sound while gaining recognition within the indie rock community, blending elements of shoegaze and alternative rock more confidently.
Stylistic neighbors
My Bloody Valentine· Slowdive· Lush

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Ignored Pets

    The lyrics shift from abstract imagery to a stark confession about neglecting close relationships.

    This contrast deepens emotional impact by juxtaposing whimsical language with a moment of vulnerability that pulls listeners into a raw personal experience.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 E 5:19
  • 2 Hare Tarot Lies 3:26
  • 3 Prodigy 2:36
  • 4 Slug Night 3:39
  • 5 Blue Neck Riviera 4:22
  • 6 Lizard Kids 2:21
  • 7 Lunar Phobia 3:51
  • 8 Wrack Attack 2:56
  • 9 Ignored Pets 2:43
  • 10 Pleasure 2:05
  • 11 Uhy Yuoi Yoi 2:44
  • 12 He Cried 6:11
  • 13 JC Twenty Three 3:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata