I am not familiar with Joan of Arc’s back catalog. Is that sacrilege in the indie music community? I don’t know, but it’s the truth. Coming to a JOA show with no real preconceived ideas of what to expect certainly leaves one with a certain sense of excitement, especially when one is only familiar with a few older songs and the band’s 2009 LP, Flowers. I went in understanding that Joan of Arc is known for being rather adventurous in terms of themes, lyrics, and music, intentionally misleading and confusing listeners.
The set on Saturday night’s sold out show at Baltimore’s Golden West Café – a restaurant by day, a concert venue by night – was primarily filled with new songs. And while such a move might be off-putting for some, Joan of Arc’s set was rather entertaining. It was easy to move to the rhythms, which seemed to constantly shift, but it was also stimulating as I found myself focusing deeply on the interplay between all four musicians (guitarist/vocalist Tim Kinsella, guitarist Victor Villareal, bassist Bobby Burg, and drummer Theo Katsaounis). Both Kinsella and Villareal tended to play contrasting riffs that, although different in style and emotion, converged together in an effective cacophonous force. It was a rambunctious performance that had its harmonious moments. There was a jazz-like freedom to each song, with shifting rhythms, syncopation, and furious fretboard action. Looking around the room, even devoted fans seemed to be nodding along in approval to the newer material – though, of course, older material drew the biggest reactions.
Overall, the set wasn’t necessarily the most easily digestible thing, but, for Joan of Arc, that’s kind of the point. At times it was hard to tell where exactly the band was headed, but that’s possibly because I was truly getting acquainted with them for the first time. For me, someone lacking familiarity with Joan of Arc’s sound, I still found myself drawn into the melting pot of notes and beats. There was a certain disarming disposition to the band’s set that made it feel more as though they had invited a bunch of friends over to watch them jam. Sure, they were on a stage, facing away from a busy Baltimore avenue, but in the moment, it was just the music and the crowd, tucked away from the outside world and the cold, cold weather.
Joan of Arc continue their tour through the beginning of February. Their new album, Oh Brother, is out February 8th through Polyvinyl.
Joan of Arc Upcoming Tour Dates (w/ Soft Circle)
01/25/11 - Orlando, FL, Backbooth
01/26/11 - Pembroke Pines, FL, The Talent Farm
01/27/11 - Ybor City, FL, New World Brewery
01/28/11 - Gainesville, FL, Common Grounds
01/29/11 - Pensacola, FL, Handlebar
01/31/11 - Washington, DC, Black Cat Backstage
02/01/11 - New York, NY, Mercury Lounge
02/02/11 - New Haven, CT, Bar Nightclub
02/03/11 - Pittsburgh, PA, Garfield Artworks
02/04/11 - Indianapolis, IN, Melody Inn
02/05/11 - Champaign, IL, Cowboy Monkey
02/06/11 - Chicago, IL, The Hideout
No comments:
Post a Comment