July Talk – Touch

By Ryan G

Words: Ryan Getz

When I think of my first SXSW, July Talk will forever come to mind as a standout from that year. Their unique twist on rockabilly and blues will always have me wondering why they’re aren’t more popular. Well, hopefully not always. But they should be huge in the US (they already have a sizable following in Canada).

Touch is equal parts playful and badass, though the record is a marked evolution from their release in 2014. We find things overall slightly less guitar driven from a “huge riff” standpoint, though it’s not a far deviation from the norm for these guys. Also, though Leah Fay’s vocals were anything but subtle in the band’s last go-round they are even more prominent in Touch. By the time I get to “Lola and Joseph” though, I find myself wanting to eat my words on the “less-guitar-driven” sentiment. Indeed, the latter half of the record is more the July Talk we are familiar with. “Touch” even gets a little weird with some reverb overlaid with Peter D’s vocals sung softly over the top.

Overall, I feel like the album is a little bit groovier. “Beck + Call” brings to the table a feeling very similar to The Black Keys’ “Gold on the Ceiling” or “Howlin’ For You.” If you think you have the band’s rhythm section figured out, you’ll be guessing again by the time “Now I Know” rolls around to get you dancing. The band still exhibits a love of minor keys coupled with the occasional almost spoken vocal to just get under your skin a little bit.

To be succinct (as if this review wasn’t already), Touch brings to the table more of the July Talk we are familiar with, along with some further exploration in rhythm section. This band sneaks up on you and then grabs you for a wild ride. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Be prepared for a wild, fun, sensual journey.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWywb9i-z7Y[/youtube]

Score: 4.5/5

July Talk: Facebook | iTunes

Check out these related articles:

The Dandy Warhols – Rockmaker

The Dandy Warhols – Rockmaker

It's always an adventure when you dive into a band for the first time that you've been peripherally aware of for years but have never given a fair...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *