[7/10]
Joan As Police Woman is not, as the name might suggest, an upcoming hip-hop artist from London or a meek and mild singer-songwriter from the back of beyond, they are, in fact, a long-standing (if little known) indie rock trio from New York. Continuously praised for her soulful style, Joan Wasser and her band return after a 3 year break with a new album, The Classic, being released in March. Holy City is the second single to be released off the album, the title track being the first, and promises an exciting and refreshing change of pace.
At first, the track seems fairly average – a simple underlying chord sequence, repetitive rhythms, uninteresting guitars – but you’ll quickly find your foot tapping along involuntarily to the catchy bassline. Wasser’s familiar vocals are the first things catching your attention, followed closely by the carefully balanced input from the brass and seamless backing vocals. By the time the first chorus finishes, you’ll certainly be boogying along, and only a minute in at that! Whilst the lyrics are not particularly inspiring and the distorted guitar solo feels awkwardly out of place in such a soulful, funky piece, the breakdown which follows makes up for it without a doubt.
Scat lyrics and instrumental breakdowns, seem to suggest a move away from traditional indie rock. Though, it could be said the band has always been on the fringe of such a genre. Overall, this song bodes pretty well for the upcoming album.
Calum Ridyard
