July Talk - July Talk

Upon returning to Toronto from a final European tour with his band, Peter Dreimanis sat in a candlelit bar paying little attention to the beat-up acoustic guitar being passed from patron to patron around him; that was until it found its home in the hands of Leah Fay. He sat listening, dumfounded, realizing heʼd met his match. Clearheaded the next day, he started his search for the stranger from the bar with whom he seemingly shared a soul. He found her; they founded July Talk.



After linking up with Ian Docherty, Josh Warburton and Danny Miles, the band created a signature sound that is not easy to pigeonhole. Imagine Tom Waits and Amy Millan shouting whiskey-soaked lullabies while backed by the members of Crazy Horse and youʼd have a good start. Striking a frenzied balance between Americana and dance-floor-filling indie-rock, July Talkʻs Beauty and the Beast aesthetic burns a little going down, but is sure to warm your belly and have you coming back for more.

After a year of relentless touring with the likes of Billy Talent, Matt Mays, Arkells, Sam Roberts and Besnard Lakes to name a few, their live show has gained a reputation as one of the most high energy, magnetic shows in the country. After a national American tour in the summer of 2013, they went into the studio to polish off a release slated for October 15th. Not only will they continue their ruthless touring schedule in North America around this release, they plan to head across to Europe & Australia in the new year.



Why would I try and make a synopsis or bio about a band who have already done it quite well for themselves?  That biography you read above was taken from July Talk's website (directed to Sleepless Records).  My first and only time experiencing this Toronto group was December 3rd, 2013 at the Sound Academy where an almost full house was amping themselves up for the duo of July Talk and Frank Turner.

While Frank Turner is my go to guy for beers and sing along songs, July Talk is the one that made the lasting impression (mind you, this was also my 3rd or 4th time seeing Frank Turner) and even had me on the brink of dancing by the end.  Alcohol helped this of course.  Only 5 songs to show the Sound Academy what they were made of, but chances are a good chunk of the fans were there simply for them.  Hell, even my buddy John wanted to attend this show for them alone.

(Photo couresty of July Talk's Official Site/Sleepless Records)

So here we are, a pint in hand and a birthday celebration of my time on this earth.  Seeing a back and forth argument almost between vocalists Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay almost made me feel like I was caught between a dramatic musical and an onstage fight.  The two harshly sang towards the crowd and themselves, giving a rather entertaining performance that kept us all intrigued for the five song set they performed that night.

A wonderful show that will have me seeking tickets for their next performance (I believe @ Lee's Palace for two nights) and future dates.  The rest of the album is listed below and highly encourage you to pick up a copy if it's your thing.  Tunes such as "Paper Girl" and "Guns + Ammunition" have me humming the songs days after and hasn't left my playlist for some time now.  Toronto's music scene continues to pump out great artists like this, making it rather hard to say goodbye if ever a day where I have to.

1. The Garden

2. Guns + Ammunition

3. Paper Girl

4. Brother

5. Someone

6. Let Her Know

7. Having You Around

8. Don't Call Home

9. The Come Down Champion

10. I've Rationed Well

"We've always felt that the first record is a good introduction to the band and the conversation between [co-vocalist] Leah [Fay] and I. It was important to us to add new material because we didn't feel like that introduction was finished. We've been on the road all year, a lot has happened and there is simply more to say." -Dreimanis