Joan of Arkansas is a Arizona, USA-based alternative rock band who have just hit my radar thanks to debut full-length album that takes us on a journey through their diverse brand of power and sludge pop. It’s called Imperfectionists.

By Graeme Smith

The album opens with Circa a no-holds barred moment of chaotic energy. Over in less than two minutes, it full of passionate vocals, “ooh-wa-oohs”s, and jangly guitar. It leaves you in no doubt what to expects from Imperfectionists. The charmingly-titled Taco Bell Fugazi follows bringing with it rumbling bass, looping melodies and irreverent lyrics.

Lou hits hard with an urgent energy while Sign of the Cobra sizzles like a deadly, venomous cocktail. Big Ass El Camino canters along at full-throttle before Abandoned Pools of East Mesa gives us a mid-album highlight with its grungy, emotional effort that paints a vivid picture.

Here Comes The Mighty Underdogs is an uplifting anthem. My Viper Death Strike fizzes along at a lick, its violence set to boil over at any moment. The Running of the Bullshit is heavy on the drums with a machine gun arrangement and attitude-filled vocals. Peck is another highlight, providing a catchy, melodic oasis with memorable lyrics.

Godzilla Vs. Dave from Accounting has monster riffs and a sense of a coming apocalypse. 12-Watt Las Vegas keeps things hard with pleading vocals before previously-released single Final Girl Semifinalist closes the album in a paranoid fashion. Its (relatively) slow-burning intro gives way to heavy bass and disorientation.

Imperfectionists feels like a tour of every DIY rock style from the last twenty years and I’m here for it. Grunge meets emo meets indie meets punk meets hard rock in a gift that just keeps giving. All the while, there’s a distinctive voice about what Joan of Arkansas are putting out. They are a very exciting band and this is a stonker of a debut. You can give it a listen below.