Who? Canadian songsters Land of Talk features vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Powell, drummer Bucky Wheaton and bassist Chris McCarron. The indie rock trio, which boasts an angular guitar assault similar to the likes of Cat Power, PJ Harvey, and Blonde Redhead, formed in 2005. The Applause Cheer Boo Hiss mini album was independently released last year, but the seven-song standout was reissued Tuesday (March 20) via the Brooklyn-based imprint, the Rebel Group.
What’s the Deal? Prior to Land of Talk, the Ontario-born Powell played the electric violin for the Aaron Riches Nuclear Family Band and contributed vocals and bass to the Valentines. Once situated in Montreal, after a brief stint attending Concordia University, she befriended longtime pals McCarron and Wheaton for Land of Talk. Next, the group joined producer Jace Lasek (Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, the Besnard Lakes) for the recording of Applause Cheer Boo Hiss a seven-song punch to the gut. Songs such as the brassy electric twitching of “Breakxxbaxx,” and the aggressive anti-folk of “All My Friends” and “Magnetic Hill” are just a glimpse at Land of Talk’s hungry indie rock attack. “Speak to Me Bones” is their riot grrrl anthem-in-the-making.
Fun Fact: Before discovering the tiny music scene in the Toronto suburb of Guelph, Powell spent some of her childhood years in a one-room schoolhouse in the small country village of Moonstone, Ontario. MACKENZIE WILSON
Now Hear This:
Land of Talk – “Speak to Me Bones” DOWNLOAD MP3
On the Web:
Land of Talk at myspace.com
Talk: Land of Talk: Applause cheer or boo hiss?
