EP Review: Talk Show – 'These People'

Profound beauty in the mundane transit of London’s public transport.

Having toured with the likes of Fontaines DC, Fat White Family and The Murder Capital, London’s Talk Show have certainly cut their teeth as a great live band. And their debut EP These People proves they are as good in the studio as they are on stage.

Largely written on London’s public transport, vocalist Harrison Swann discovered a profound beauty in the mundane and even took lines from adverts. In doing so, Talk Show have captured a moment in time that really does look at the lives of these people. This is the case from the opening track and lead single ‘Stress’. It’s a brilliant slice of post-punk-cum-new wave that is catchy and gives a nod to Shame and Hotel Lux. And this is what Talk Show are brilliant at doing. The band’s material often borders on indie pop, but then there’s a raw injection straight from the heart and the gut that gives the songs power and meaning. It is apparent on the remaining three tracks of the EP. ‘Atomica’ is a bit of an indie dance-punk number with a heavy dub feel. ‘Banshee’ has a synth vibe, with the vocals and guitars sounding a bit like early Echo and The Bunnymen.  Final track ‘Petrolhead’ is the darkest, most intense and punchiest song on the EP, yet it is still littered with fantastic hooks.

Words by Matthew Brocklehurst

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