JOAN OF ARC
Joan Of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain (Polyvinyl)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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Whenever adjectives about Chicago underground darlings Joan of Arc are ventured, it is practically a dead solid certainty that one of those would have to be 'eccentric'. From top to bottom, few records come off as diverse and thoroughly challenging as Joan of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain, a jumbled mass of hypnosis, inspired shrill guitars and a dadaistic lyric sensibility.

How those three seemingly divergent persons end up the inspirations for an album title together is almost beyond explanation, but the melding of a heroine, a wit and a modern day political crook of Shakespearean proportions might explain its frenetic nature. In a purely rock estimation, Joan of Arc feels like the modern day embodiment of The Who, moving as wildly between sounds as they did themes. The juxtaposition of "Queasy Lynn" and "Onomatopoepic Animal Faces" is a strictly operatic construct, relying heavily on their incongruence for effect. In stretches the same stilted Who Sells Out ambience reigns, glossing complex concepts only long enough to mine their frustrating sense of humor.

Challenged by members' side projects, stagnation and a marginalized position in modern music, Joan of Arc has brought into the fray the talents of John McEntire (Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, Stereolab, US Maple) and the results are what could hopefully be a ground breaking effort. His effect is felt most prominently on songs like "Gripped By The Lips" where a hard edged, almost cynical appeal permeates all the while it is being buttressed by a witty tone. For fans of modern rock that isn't derivative, rising to its uncompromising apex, Joan of Arc, Dick Cheney, Mark Twain is the embodiment of the movement's finest effort.

© 2004 - Erick Mertz