The Moshville Times - Review: JOANovARC

This fiery female foursome thunder into the rock arena with their debut album The Ride of Your Life. Although, listening to it you’d think this troupe had been recording music a lot longer. Maybe that’s because this album has a bit of an old school feel about it, but that’s no bad thing. The current line-up has been playing together since 2009 when singer Laura Ozholl ed sisters Sam and Shelley Walker and drummer Deborah Wildish.

No need for further allusions to Joan Jett and Girlschool, JOANovARC are smashing their own way into the realms of girl-fuelled rock and they bring to the table their own feisty, catchy, riff-wrenching sound.

ittedly the overall sound, for me, doesn’t conjure up a great deal of emotion, by that I simply mean this isn’t angst ridden nor is it going to leave you philosophising about your existence or have you searching to fulfil your dreams… but, it’s a lively album full of very decent rock songs. It’s not a mope in your bedroom with headphones on kind of album, but more the pop it on in the car on the way to the gym or before going out with the girls. And there’s plenty of room for more albums like that, right?!

Whilst the first two tracks “Ride of Your Life” and third single “Dragon in The Sky” are great classic rock songs with plenty of raunchy attack it’s the third track and well-chosen single “White Trash” which really made my ears prick up. It carries a southern bluesy overtone and we’re treated to some snazzy solo work from lead guitarist Shelley Walker.

Lead single “Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” is another hearty highlight showcasing singer Laura Ozholl’s wailing banshee vocal sound and the band’s infectious high energy. Another favourite of mine is “Five Years” which slows down the tempo and opens with a delicious guitar lick. The song talks of lost love and betrayal but it still retains its strength despite the change of pace and subject matter.

I would have to say that “Work” is one of the weaker tracks for me but I do like how the album portrays a vast array of experiences from the journey the girls have been on together so far, and the road looks set to continue.

The final track and perfect album closer is the ballad-esque “Peace of Mind” which shows a softer side and brings the tone down to a cosy close. It’s a bit like doing your warm-down after a high energy boxercise class.

You can buy this gem when it’s released Friday 11^th November from loads of places, including Amazon which will help this site: [amazon text=&asin=B01LEZU1J4] / [amazon text=CD&asin=B01JKOK402]

And catch JOANovARC on their remaining UK tour dates: