Description
Big Joanie – Back Home – Opaque Yellow Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
Kill Rock Stars Debut
VMP exclusive opaque yellow vinyl
Limited to 750 foil-stamped and numbered copies
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Big Joanie’s Back Home (2022) is the second studio album by the London-based black feminist punk trio Big Joanie. Known for blending punk with post-punk, alternative rock, and DIY ethics, Big Joanie has made a significant impact on the UK and global music scenes with their unique take on punk music, infused with social commentary and personal narratives.
Back Home is a more expansive and layered album compared to their debut Sistahs (2018), both sonically and thematically. It explores themes of identity, belonging, loss, and what “home” means, using a variety of musical influences ranging from post-punk to experimental rock.
Back Home retains Big Joanie’s punk rock roots, but it also incorporates more melodic and textured soundscapes compared to the rawness of Sistahs. There are elements of post-punk and new wave, combined with an experimental approach that includes synths, reverb-drenched guitars, and atmospheric arrangements. The album still captures the energy and urgency of punk, but it’s more introspective and thoughtful, with slower, more atmospheric tracks that show off the band’s versatility. The DIY ethos remains strong, as Big Joanie continues to reject the commercial polish of mainstream production, keeping their sound personal and authentic.
Back Home explores the concept of home, not just as a physical space but as a mental and emotional state. The album delves into feelings of displacement, nostalgia, and the search for identity and belonging. Songs address personal topics such as family, friendship, and community, while also grappling with larger social issues like racism and inequality. The lyrical content reflects the band’s commitment to feminist and black empowerment themes, making it both personal and political.
Key Tracks
“Happier Still”: This is one of the more upbeat, anthemic tracks on the album, driven by jangly guitars and a catchy chorus. It’s a reflection on striving for personal happiness, despite the struggles that come with life. It captures the balance between the personal and the political, showing how these aspects of life are often intertwined.
“In My Arms”: A slower, more introspective track, “In My Arms” showcases the band’s ability to shift from punk energy to a more contemplative and emotional tone. The song focuses on longing and intimacy, with atmospheric instrumentation that complements its emotional weight.
“Cactus Tree”: With a more post-punk feel, “Cactus Tree” features minimalistic guitars and a hypnotic beat. The lyrics reflect on resilience and survival, using the image of a cactus as a metaphor for enduring hardship.
“Your Words”: A standout track, “Your Words” leans heavily into a new wave sound, with synths adding texture to the song’s melody. The lyrics deal with communication and misunderstandings, exploring how words can both connect and alienate people.
“Count to 10”: This track brings a more experimental edge to the album, with a driving rhythm and layered vocals. It’s one of the more urgent tracks on the album, capturing the tension and frustration that can arise from navigating difficult situations.
Produced by Margo Broom, who has worked with bands like Goat Girl, the album has a cleaner, more expansive sound compared to the raw minimalism of Sistahs. The production is still stripped-down enough to capture the energy of the band, but there’s more room for experimentation with effects and sonic layers. The use of reverb, delay, and atmospheric production techniques enhances the moodier, more reflective tracks, giving the album a broader emotional range.
Back Home was met with positive reviews from critics and fans alike, with many praising the band for evolving their sound while staying true to their DIY punk roots. Critics highlighted the album’s emotional depth, its exploration of identity and belonging, and its genre-blending approach. The album was seen as a significant step forward for Big Joanie, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting acts in the UK’s alternative music scene.
Big Joanie has become an important voice in the punk and alternative scenes, particularly as a band that pushes back against the predominantly white, male narrative of punk rock. Their music serves as a platform for black feminist perspectives, helping to diversify the genre both sonically and thematically. Back Home continues their mission of creating space for marginalized voices within punk, offering a fresh and deeply personal take on what it means to belong, while also pushing the boundaries of what punk can sound like.
Back Home is a standout album that showcases Big Joanie’s growth as a band, both musically and thematically. By blending punk energy with more atmospheric, introspective elements, the album highlights their ability to explore complex emotions and issues while maintaining the urgency and rawness of their earlier work. It’s a powerful statement on identity, belonging, and personal resilience, marking a major step forward in their already impactful career.
Track Listing
Cactus Tree
Taut
Confident Man
What Are You Waiting For?
In My Arms
Your Words
Count To Ten
Happier Still
Insecure
Today
I Will
In My Arms (Reprise)
Sainted
