Joan As Police Woman – Flushed Chest
Joan As Police Woman, Joan Wasser’s endeavour, returns with “Flushed Chest (Real Life Evolution Version),” an especially sensitive reworking based on The Real Life Anniversary Sessions. Inspired by Martin Amis’ Time’s Arrow and formed by Joan’s engagement in the music of Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, and Peter Tosh, the track has a mindful emotional significance. The song begins with calm piano chords and light, jazzy percussion, creating a warm although melancholy atmosphere. As the vocals come in, the piece takes on a Soul Pop aesthetic, complemented by traces of modern folk that gently recall Jeff Buckley’s emotions. Joan Wasser’s voice is the center of attention, unique, sophisticated, and deeply moving. She combines melancholy and nostalgia, presenting each lyric with an aura of calm warmth. The three-part harmonies provide depth, resulting in a lush but minimal sound texture that enhances the song’s emotional power. Lyrically, “Flushed Chest” reads like a collection of short-lived memories and impressions, almost surreal in structure. Lines like “I saw you tonight / Through the dim twilight” and “You were in your ghost” express an impression of distance, loss, and nostalgia, as if recalling memories that are already fading. The impact of Time’s Arrow can be felt throughout this broken nonlinear dramatic storyline. Despite its slow tempo, the track has a gentle rhythm that creates a smooth movement, almost like something you can sway to rather than truly dance to. This combination between stillness and movement, tenderness and musicality, makes “Flushed Chest” a well composed composition.
photo by Judi Rosen
https://joanaspolicewoman.bandcamp.com
