Joan as Police Woman

By the time Joan as Police Woman plays the Metro Theatre in May, it will be almost five years since her last Australian live appearance. It’s a long overdue return for one of the most consistent and quietly brilliant artists of the 21st century. Never showy or ostentatious, Joan Wasser’s songs burrow their way into your psyche until they’re like old friends, always welcome and enjoyable to spend time with, irrespective of how long it’s been since you last met. She’s practically perfected the art of the three-minute torch song – sparse and lean without an ounce of spare fat – but that doesn’t mean she’s averse to rocking out. Album cuts often see her letting loose with a swirling gale of distortion and effects; exactly the kind of thing that creates an intoxicating atmosphere when performed live.