Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
There is more to life than the tales of men who have taken on dragons and quaffed in celebration, the regale of the story from manhood to which we openly admire even if we don’t question the single avenue of information to which we are being drawn; not every story, not every observation, has to be from the man’s point of view, quite rightly and with passion, women should raise the bar and show the world the fire, the warrior soul and the story teller, the mould in which the pious young French girl inspired an army with.
For sisters Sam and Shelley Walker, Laura Ozholl and Debbie Wildish, the spirit and tenacity of their music is more than just setting the scene of righting a wrong when it comes to highlighting women within Rock, it is more than just seeing their talent being heard by both genders and being appreciated, respected, for their skill, it is about fire and blood, the venom in the veins and yet with the absolute feminine soul which harbours compassion and is an example to all, one that should be heeded and praised no matter who you are.
The bond of family, of connection drives the 11-song strong album and across whispers of regret and the subtly of concern and raging benevolence, tracks such as Waiting For, Down By The River People Coming Up, the exceptional observation in Try It On, Jane and Go Home, what comes through is the capacity to undo the knots of others problems, to feel without descending into pity and mawkish, sloppy misfortune, to be as straight as arrow that hits the bullseye of addiction and dramatic pain.
Too long have the public and those that use words and phrases such as Rock Goddess not been held up to account for the lack of originality when it comes to describing women who play with the same exceptional fire as their male counterparts, instead this is the sound of the warrior’s heartbeat, a human being striking out and not apologising for their thoughts, their observations, their life. JOANovArc capture the visions to which has long since decided that many are denied, a voice of their own and sound that pulsates with a dynamic that is loud, proud and sincerely dangerous to cross.
JOANofARC release their eponymous new album on Friday 31st May. Through Pledge Music and Holier Than Thou Records.
Ian D. Hall