Joyce Manor Returns After 3-Year Hiatus with New Album "I Used to Go to This Bar

Joyce Manor Preview First New Album in Three Years With 'Well, Whatever It Was' California-based pop-rock band Joyce Manor announced their highly anticipated new album "I Used to Go to This Bar" on October 7, 2025. The album is set to release on January 30, 2026, via Epitaph Records. According to a statement from guitarist Barry Johnson, the band tapped SoCal legend and Bad Religion co-founder Brett Gurewitz to produce the new LP. "When it comes to our musical DNA, he's one of the architects of everything we grew up on," Johnson said. "Having him guide our record helped us make something that we could put next to those classic records that shaped us." The album's lead single, "Well, Whatever It Was," is a beachy thrum about being down and out. The track comes with a playful music video parodying the popular TV show "The Great British Bake Off." Johnson described the song as having "that vivacious energy" that Gurewitz helped bring to the record. Gurewitz, who has produced numerous albums for Bad Religion and other notable bands, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Joyce Manor. "I always try to work fast and keep things creative and fun," he said in a statement. "That's exactly what we did on this album." Joyce Manor's new album marks the band's first release in three years. The group has built a loyal following with their catchy, guitar-driven sound and witty lyrics. The announcement of "I Used to Go to This Bar" comes as the music industry continues to evolve with the rise of AI-generated music. While some artists have experimented with AI tools to create new sounds, others have raised concerns about the potential impact on human creativity. In an interview, Johnson acknowledged the changing landscape but emphasized the importance of human touch in music production. "We're not trying to replace ourselves with machines," he said. "We want to work with technology to enhance our sound and make it more interesting." The release of "I Used to Go to This Bar" is expected to generate significant buzz among fans and critics alike. As the music industry continues to navigate the intersection of human creativity and AI technology, Joyce Manor's new album serves as a timely reminder of the enduring power of live performance and human connection. Background: Joyce Manor has been a staple of the California indie-rock scene since their formation in 2008. The band has released four full-length albums to critical acclaim, with their most recent effort, "Million Dollars to Kill Me," arriving in 2022. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders and fans alike are eagerly anticipating Joyce Manor's new album. As one fan noted, "Their music is like a breath of fresh air – it's raw, honest, and always makes me want to sing along." Current Status and Next Developments: Joyce Manor will embark on a world tour in support of their new album, with dates scheduled for early 2026. Fans can expect more updates on the band's social media channels as the release date approaches. In related news, Epitaph Records has announced plans to release a companion EP featuring remixes and live tracks from Joyce Manor's upcoming tour. The EP is set to drop in February 2026, coinciding with the band's European leg of their world tour. *Reporting by Rollingstone.*