Music for no audience

Joan of Arc’s upcoming record, Lifelike, will be a straightforward piece of work. According to Kinsella, it’s been recorded live and includes only three overdubs and zero backing vocals.

“We definitely thought we were making our version of a classic rock record, but the label [Polyvinyl] got it and was like, ‘Oh, that’s not classic rock,’” Kinsella says. “We certainly have our tastes and biases come through. [On] the first song, the vocals don’t come in until eight minutes, so even that as a simple arrangement technique is different than most rock band records.” Joan of Arc’s unpredictability, of course, always means that there’s no telling where exactly they will head after this. “Our next record could easily be all computers,” ponders Kinsella, “or all drone chamber pop.” 
Despite their highfalutin experimentation and artistry, Kinsella believes that there’s something playful about JOA’s work.

Constant fluctuations in lineup and style keep them youthful. Once that bulky, confounding discography has been 
completed and is sitting in one pile, he wants Joan of Arc’s shape-shifting sensibility to make an impression.

“Saying that we remained aware and present is the ultimate ambition. I don’t know how else to find meaning in this, except for really trying to be excited about what’s happening in the immediate and not thinking that this is a means to get to somewhere else or a tribute to the past,” Kinsella says. “[It’s about saying,] ‘This is what we should be doing right now.’”

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