Critiques CD: Joan of Arc | Testimonium Songs

Chicago mainstays Joan of Arc (Tim Kinsella and a revolving cast of mad folk) have made a career of confounding fans and critics alike with their topsy turvy musical output, styles, and attitude(s). Their latest release will not help quell the quivering masses. «Testimonium Songs» is not an easy listen. But rewarding it is. The record was two years in the making and meant to be played live in Testimonium, a work of performance by well-respected experimental theater ensemble «Every House Has a Door». The play is a response to Charles Reznikoff’s monumental work Testimony, a translation into poetry of courtroom transcripts of witness and victim testimonies in criminal cases and cases of workplace negligence, in the US, spanning the years 1885 to 1915, and incorporates modern dance, theater, and these original songs written by Joan of Arc.

Whoah how is that for an intro!?! Now let’s talk music. Given the weighty subject matter, keep your ears locked in for an American history lesson. Musically, JoA keep us guessing, shifting from acappella tracks, to acoustic guitar accompaniment, to lengthy experiments, to the group’s "trademark" angular and jagged and warped indie pop rock. Welcome to the roller coaster. Strap yourself in.