How long has Talkie been on our list of “west coast bands that need to hit the Midwest”? A while. Since we first heard of their existence to be exact. Our pals in Fever Fever did a few shows with them on the west coast, back when they were labelmates on Slospeak Records.

Fundamental Things, in retrospect, I believe, will be a record that defines my 2018 summer. The track “Fuzzy Disco” not only is a heckuva earworm but also has a title that could almost describe the 9-track record in its entirety. Not all of it is dance-poppy, but all of it you can certainly dance to. The track in question is the radio single that needs to be thing. Maybe if I just send our friends at CD1025 an email.

At this very moment the song “Sorry, Shy” is playing, and I’m sitting outside at Stauf’s Coffee Roasters. The warm tones are making me forget the cool breeze, and the tone of the song could almost be the vibe of the first date (I’m guessing?) taking place a few feet away from me. Lots of nervous laughter, and the dude seems to be exhibiting a bit of quiet shyness that is being overcome by how well the conversation is going. Coincidentally, the follow up song “Costa Rica” is a slow burner that light heartedly describes a flirtation.

Another song (of the short 9-song LP) that deserves its own anecdote is “Another.” A good mark of whether a song will have longevity in my listening habits is what I’m not dubbing the “involuntary head bob effect.” Songs that succeed in this area will have my head, and best-case scenario, my whole upper body bobbing when that beat drops. “Another” did just that the first time it began playing in my car. Seriously, that rhythm section though. What “Another” brings to the table in energy, is counteracted by the outright “smooth” factor that album closer “Headfone, Part 1” excels in. Sadly, there is no “Part 2.”

Talkie have once again proven themselves to be masters at crafting dark horse music. Blast this record! Follow the band on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.