GIG: JOAN AS A POLICE WOMAN

BY AMELIA GROOM

A Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and violinist, Joan Wasser started out in the 90s in alternative rock groups like The Dambuilders and Those Bastard Souls. She went on to collaborate with acts such as Lou Reed, Elton John, the Scissor Sisters, Joseph Arthur, Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, and Jeff Buckley (who was a long-term boyfriend), and joined Antony and the Johnsons in 1999. A few years ago she set out on her own under the moniker Joan as Police Woman, and has earned raves for her emotional music that’s informed by styles as diverse as punk, soul and folk. Earlier this year she released her second solo album, To Survive, which shows how her songwriting talent has developed, and lays bare her astonishing singing voice. Hers is a sound that’s stoic but tender, effortless but intoxicating, passionate but introspective, stark but intimate, graceful but intensely sad. The terrific film clip for her single Eternal Flame shows her unique blend of detached irony and raw melancholy. By all accounts her music far more powerful live, so to experience this truly unique an original voice be sure to secure yourself a spot at the only Joan As a Police Woman Sydney show next month.

Joan as A Policewoman
October 7
The Metro Theatre, 624 George Street, Sydney
Tickets: $45, 9550 3666 or www.metrotheatre.com.au