Joan of Arc A Portable Model Of (Jade Tree/Cargo)

Joan of Arc combine analog synths and ringy guitars (an indie formula right now) in a very laid back setting, with time signatures that are warped without setting foot on pretentious math-rock ground. Crisp production without compromising lo-fi ideals. A collection of anthemic ditties rounded out by some great experimental soundscapes that is guaranteed to make this a summer favourite with the indie crowd. 8/10 (Johnson Cummins) Joan of Arc play at the Barfly (4062A St-Laurent)with Pest 5000 and the Nul Set, Sunday, July 20, 9:30pm

Vienna Art Orchestra 20th Anniversary (Verve/Polygram)

This landmark three-CD set covers not just the music of Eric Dolphy but "ballads" featuring a number of guest vocalists, including Sheila Jordan, Helen Merrill, Betty Carter and Urszula Dudziak. The third consists of four compositions of a more serious nature. Superb! 10/10 (Len Dobbin)