Joan As Police Woman is lead by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joan Wasser, a former member of Antony & The Johnsons. Antony contributes guest vocals to Joan's debut Real Life, as does Joseph Arthur. Backed by Rainy Orteca and Ben Peroksky, Joan's own music is a slight departure from the ethereal, avante-garde sound of The Johnsons. Her voice is a unique combination of smooth honey and a sultry purr, occasionally reaching a bluesy depth. The musical style of her debut album sways between a breezy retro pop and a deeper jazz tone with hints of soul and the spellbinding quality that only one of The Johnsons could provide.
In addition to singing and penning each of the tracks on the album, Joan plays piano, organ, guitars, violin, viola, and other strings. On the lovely opening track "Real Life", her captivating voice is accompanied by a subtle piano melody and soft strings. Her vocals take on a deeper tone on "The Ride" and the swaying stand out "Save Me", while hinting at a Katharine Whalen rasp on "Flushed Chest".
Joseph Arthur supplies harmony vocals, moog rogue, piano, and drums to the mesmerizing multi-faceted "Eternal Flame" - which features Joan's best and most versatile vocal performance on the disc - along with the simpler "Feed The Light" and the anticipatory pace of "Christobel". Antony's unmistakable voice slides in on the brassy "I Defy".
The album comes with a 6 song EP of B-Sides, including an alternate solo version of "We Don't Own It". The cut songs are good, but all lean towards a more typical indie rock sound that would have disrupted the unique mood of the main disc.
Joan As Police Woman - Eternal Flame (mp3)
Joan As Police Woman - The Ride (mp3)
Joan As Police Woman Official Site
Buy it at Cheap Lullaby (includes a vinyl single & autographed poster)
Buy it at Amazon
In addition to singing and penning each of the tracks on the album, Joan plays piano, organ, guitars, violin, viola, and other strings. On the lovely opening track "Real Life", her captivating voice is accompanied by a subtle piano melody and soft strings. Her vocals take on a deeper tone on "The Ride" and the swaying stand out "Save Me", while hinting at a Katharine Whalen rasp on "Flushed Chest".
Joseph Arthur supplies harmony vocals, moog rogue, piano, and drums to the mesmerizing multi-faceted "Eternal Flame" - which features Joan's best and most versatile vocal performance on the disc - along with the simpler "Feed The Light" and the anticipatory pace of "Christobel". Antony's unmistakable voice slides in on the brassy "I Defy".
The album comes with a 6 song EP of B-Sides, including an alternate solo version of "We Don't Own It". The cut songs are good, but all lean towards a more typical indie rock sound that would have disrupted the unique mood of the main disc.
Joan As Police Woman - Eternal Flame (mp3)
Joan As Police Woman - The Ride (mp3)
Joan As Police Woman Official Site
Buy it at Cheap Lullaby (includes a vinyl single & autographed poster)
Buy it at Amazon
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