Repeat For Joy marks the compelling sophomore release by ATFK, the progressive North East duo formed by Amy Thatcher and Francesca Knowles. Known for pushing the boundaries of accordion and percussion, the pair return under their new moniker with a mini-album that delves deeper into folktronica and experimental electronic territories. Recorded alongside David and Peter Brewis of Field Music in Sunderland, this work expands their sonic palette, embracing distorted synths, ethereal atmospheres and rhythmic structures that place drums at the centre of the mix. The result is an immersive, genre-blurring journey that moves confidently away from their folk foundations without abandoning the spirit that inspired their earliest compositions.
The album opens with “Swagger Back,” immediately establishing the record’s shift into glitch-driven and unpredictable rhythmic territories. Its off-kilter groove sets the tone for a project focused on transformation, both musical and emotional. Pulsating beats and angular synth textures guide the listener through a rhythmic landscape that hints at the duo’s wide influences—from the frenetic math-electronic bursts of Three Trapped Tigers to the bold structural choices reminiscent of ‘70s prog. The track communicates a sense of rebirth, introducing the thematic arc that runs throughout the album.
“So Far,” previously released as a single, further expands the atmospheric depth of the project. Here ATFK blend electronic arpeggiators with the deep, resonant timbre of the accordion, creating a sonic dialogue between synthetic and acoustic bodies. The rhythmic progression evolves steadily, beginning with spacious melodic phrasing before expanding into a dense, exhilarating crescendo. The track’s sense of vastness is reinforced by its careful layering: synth patterns sweep across the stereo field while percussive textures build into an almost cinematic intensity. It captures the album’s exploration of emotional distance, the push and pull between entrapment and release.
“As One” continues this interplay, presenting a more intimate rhythmic framework that highlights the duo’s synergy. Syncopated patterns weave between accordion lines and subtle electronic flourishes, demonstrating their ability to merge traditional instrumentation with contemporary production techniques. “Ever Love Lasting” then introduces a warm, reflective atmosphere, carried by elastic drum motifs and gentle synth pads that create a shifting sense of space. The rhythmic restraint in this track serves as a counterbalance to the record’s more explosive moments, emphasising the dynamic contrasts that shape the album’s narrative.
The title track “Repeat For Joy” stands as one of the record’s central statements. Built around a spacious groove and contemplative lyrics, it examines the desire to break free from internal and external constraints. Its rhythmic foundation is understated yet steady, allowing the vocals and synth textures to define the emotional direction. The track embodies the core idea that repetition becomes a ritual—an act of reclaiming joy through sound and movement.
Closing with “Remote,” the album widens once more into ethereal territory. Percussive pulses are softened into an atmospheric haze, while synth lines drift with an almost meditative quality. The rhythmic structure here feels suspended, reflecting themes of distance, isolation and eventual reconnection. The track functions as an open-ended conclusion, echoing the cyclical journey of the album’s conceptual framework.
Throughout Repeat For Joy, ATFK use rhythm as both architecture and narrative device. Drums are not merely supportive elements but leading forces that drive tension, resolution and emotional pacing. Synths range from abrasive to weightless, consistently expanding the harmonic and textural landscape. Meanwhile, the accordion acts as a grounding element, its familiar acoustic resonance woven into unexpected contexts.
The album’s experimentation with structure, texture and atmosphere presents a vivid portrayal of renewal, self-reflection and the human need to reconnect with moments of pure exhilaration. With its fusion of folk roots, electronic exploration and bold rhythmic identity, Repeat For Joy stands as a vibrant and high-quality release that fully embraces expansive musical imagination.