Flowers by Joan of Arc
LABEL: Polyvinyl Records

The information from the band on this release states it was recorded in four separate sessions with four lineups, but you'd never realize it to listen to the album. It speaks a lot for the shared vision and understanding of what they were looking for to get the different groups to create something that meshes as well as this does.

Flowers fires on pretty much every cylinder here, complex instrumentation, strong songwriting and often Tim Kinsella's voice has adopted a haunting quality. One track had an eerie resemblance, in the best way, to Tom Waits. The percussion in particular takes many of the tracks to a great place, offering fascinating pieces that you just want to wrap your mind around and focus on for a long period of time. A lot of fun experimentation with sound is featured in almost every track; even their most 'straightforward' tracks have great little hooks there.

The project is an auditory adventure from beginning to end. I really could not have been happier from this release from the band. It’s a great work—especially after some flagging releases of the past few years. Is it a return to their glory days? No, I'd rather not ascribe them to some limitation of the best of the past; this is a chance for them to grow, continue redefining themselves and top their best works. A wonderful release that leaves one happy and anticipating what will come next.

REVIEWED BY RAIN PLETCHER