July Talk
Remember Never Before
Six Shooter Records
The polarity between lead vocalists Leah Fay Goldstein and Peter Dreimanis remains the core of July Talkβs appeal. Even with an expanded lineup, this remains true on their fourth album, Remember Never Before. As Canadaβs leading alternative rock band continues to push forward into fresh sonic territory, the push and pull between Goldstein and Dreimanis is refined, making for a record that is none other than that of July Talk.
Remember Never Before opens with a cinematic urgency with enough intensity that it could only further develop a sense of tension and uncertainty in an Oscar-worthy film. Falling somewhere between Arctic Monkeys and the Menahan Street Band, βAfter Thisβ is a prime example of July Talkβs power as songwriters and their ability to capture a genuine sense of emotion through both their writing and their raw performance. Youβll feel it most when Goldsteinβs vocals are pushing the top of her range in the bridge overtop a rhythmic breakdown and roaring, distorted guitars. The following song, βCertain Fatherβ, feels like an electronically psychedelic extension of Bowieβs early β70s output, while βHuman Sideβ rounds out the opening three songs of the record with a true to form July Talk banger that sees the band play with dynamics, dissonance, and tension to deliver a unique track.
From this point, Remember Never Before struggles to maintain the momentum of the opening three tracks. By no means is this a slight on the remaining eight tracks, rather, the opening trio is just that strong. Despite this, there are more moments of greatness that July Talk has to offer. The funk-inspired verses of βSilent Typeβ carry a distinct swagger while the tribal rhythms and weaving melodies of βRepeatβ make for a stunning delivery. Bringing the album to a close is the Dreimanis-led piano ballad βRawβ, the emotional climax of the record, followed by the hypnotic grooves of βI Am Waterβ, a thrilling conclusion that builds in momentum through evolving progressions and the bandβs signature chaotic sense of counterpoint.
Remember Never Before is perhaps July Talkβs most refined collection of music yet. On their fourth record, the now expanded band is approaching their songwriting in a nearly compositional manner, resulting in fuller arrangements and cinematic tones organically clashing with alternative rock riffs and beats. Remember Never Before marks a step forward for July Talk, one which, for the better, they may never return from.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JULY TALK – REMEMBER NEVER BEFORE
Gerrod Harris
