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LOS ANGELES, CA-
“…. July Talk got the night started off with a bang. Though the venue was only a third full at the time (what a shame!), the band could not have given two shits and played as if they were rocking out to a stadium crowd. I immediately knew this band was my kind of jam from the moment they unleashed into their first song of the night, “Summer Dress” from their 2015 self titled album. Their energy from the get go was explosive! And I was all in, totally captivated!
Co-lead singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay have a crazy cool chemistry on stage, making their show a blast to take in. The duo’s vocal styles are completely dissimilar, but the contrast is a wonderfully riveting contrast that just works so damn well. Dreimanis has a deep, gritty voice that brings out the angst in the lyrics and just when you think you’re listening to another typical angry rock band, the counter balance of Fay’s soft and sultry tone kicks in and lightens up all the heaviness. While Dreimanis growled out and took turns slaying on the guitar and synths, Fay flirtatiously danced around the stage, playfully engaging the crowd and band members. The duo’s synergy was consummate as they sang right into each others faces with passion, exchanging verses. Watching this band perform was a complete experience. We all love to pigeon hole bands and make comparisons, and sure there are plenty to be made- Dremainis has a very Nick Cave/Tom Waits vibe and I have heard others say they are reminiscent of Arcade Fire- sure, sure, I can hear all that, but July Talk still manages to make their sound unique. It’s in your face, rock and roll heaven mixed with hints of blues and synth pop- I know, sounds weird but trust me, it’s fucking awesome!
During their third song, “Now I Know”, Fay hopped off stage and performed the song while walking along the barricade just above the crowd. The barricade has a width of maybe two-three inches, so my first thought was, “This chick is nuts, what if she falls? Should I set myself up to catch her?? My second thought was, “Damn this chick is a BAD ASS!” and my third thought was, “Wow, she’s strong and her balance is incredible, she must do a lot of yoga.” But by the end of the song I knew if I had to choose one of my thoughts to describe her, the second would be most accurate: Leah Fay is one bad ass! And so fun to watch! And thankfully, she made it back to the stage safe and sound to continue the rest of the killer set.
The duo, along with fellow band members Ian Docherty (guitar), Josh Warburton (bass) and Danny Miles (drums), delivered a performance that did not scream out “opening band” at all. And such would not be the case back home in Canada, where they have topped the charts and won awards (in 2015 they won the Juno award for Best Alternative Album,) but simply judging them by this performance, I think they are well on their way to garnering the kind of global acclaim that they deserve.
Their set included performances of “Guns and Ammunition”, “Beck and Call”, and “Picturing Love”. They ended their set with “Push and Pull”, and the dark underlying disco beat had the crowd dancing along. July Talk really wowed me and it was the first time in a long time that I wished the opening band had had a longer set. If you haven’t heard of July Talk, I suggest jumping on the bandwagon now! This band is fire!…”
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