Land Of Talk @ CMW 2007

The Horseshoe Tavern

Toronto, ON

on Mar 9 2007

Matt Littlefair (CHARTattack)

03/10/2007 12:00pm

Background/Composition: Led by one fierce woman on guitar with a voice that'll melt your face clean off,the Montreal trio of two guys and a girl parlayed a sparse set up into a boiling cauldron of stripped down indie rock.

Grade: 85

Comment: Following on the heels of such a strong performance from Cadence Weapon, Land Of Talk proved that they were up to the task, and busted out a formidible set of indie rock tracks that left most everyone in the crowd wanting more.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Elizabeth Powell and co. weren't about to take any crap up on stage, prodding the crowd to maintain the energey level from Cadence Weapon's set. No easy feat, and comendibly they succeeded. The sound was crisp and clear, carrying above the rising din at the bar. After a song or two, the band really got into the thick of things, strking the occasional rock star pose, but still pausing to introduce most every song and to put a couple of ne'er do wells in the front row in their place.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Rapid fire drums, and a rumbling bass undercurrent drive the songs, while Powell's fretwork of deceptively clever chord combinations carried off of the stage like an unstoppable juggernaut. The thick wave of music resonates with Powell's elegantly rough hewn vocals (sort of a latter day PJ Harvey without as much bitterness) that stand out in the mix, with a mournful element bubbling just beneath the surface.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: E
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Another band that's enjoyed a lot of blogosphere love lived up to most of the hype. With only an EP to their name right now, the stuff they laid on the audience from their soon-to-come debut full-length retained the same stripped down complexity of the EP. This is a band with a lot of promise.