Land of Talk - Applause Cheer Boo Hiss (Rebel Group)
3/5
By: Ailsa Caine
For children of the 90's, the best Canadian pop culture reference we had was Due South, and that was pretty good. Thus it's a nice surprise that this has been followed by some pretty impressive, and arguably more relevant musical efforts. America's Northern cousin has unearthed sterling talent of late, and Land of Talk are entering the ring at a time when the bar has been set above and beyond the likes of Celine Dion.
Land of Talk are a female fronted trio, and in a similar fashion to the Canadians, womankind has also had a good run in the recent music scene. Lead singer Elizabeth Powell's vocals are therefore full of rightful confidence and the lazy slur of someone with nothing to prove but plenty to show. Likewise Land of Talk's sound is one which demonstrates that the band are jostling for national pride alongside some of the more famous Canadian exports, and they are deserving in their individual share of the spotlight. Applause Cheer Boo Hiss is perhaps not as unique as efforts from the likes of the obviously comparable Arcade Fire or Of Montreal, but it does possesses a similar intelligence and is not lost in emulating something it's not.
Where Applause Cheer Boo Hiss suffers slightly is in its lack of stand out individual tracks or 'repeat players'. However, for an 'up and coming indie band' this could potentially be a good thing. As an album left to run it's course you finish feeling that Land of Talk are carving their own identity and sound which lasts longer than a 3 and a half minute average. The guitars are pared down and the vocals are soulful, and each note promises that Canada may have unearthed yet another unexpected gem.
Artists in this article: Land of Talk
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