The Chronicles: July Talk | Album Review| New Album has that magic 'Touch'

By CA Marshall

Canadian-born blues/alternative rock band July Talk, notorious for their epic contrast of dark and light lyrical ability, have dropped their Album 'Touch' today and it's FABULOUS! Lead vocalists Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay are a combined force unlike ANY we have heard on earth: a combustible energy not to be contended with when we also combine them with instrumentation that is cutting edge via band mates Ian Docherty (Guitar), Josh Warburton (Bass Guitar), and Danny Miles (Drums).

Let's begin with my fave 'Jesus Said So', a legitimate four minute twenty three second song/dose of reality: the worlds gone to shit, and Peter and Leah have no qualms about delivering this fact through carefully written lyrics delivered with their own unique 'let's do this/in your face' flair. It's genius and probably one of my most favourite July Talk songs to date. Why? Because these Artists aren't afraid to sing about the 'not so pleasant' things in life which the world needs right now: let's talk - not ignore the issues because only then can real change be made.

Delving further into the album, we have previously released singles 'Push + Pull' and 'Strange Habit'. 'Push + Pull' became my go-to gym song, and we gym rats need something worthy of repeatable nature when we are in mid run and aren't able change the tunes for fear of falling face first into the machine - also, in this case, why would I want to? The song is highly addictive! It was inspiring enough to want to listen on repeat and the tempo throughout was consistent, fast paced and conpletely addictive. If 'Push + Pull' was the 'taste' of what's to come for the upcoming album release then 'Strange Habit' became its predecessor quickly leaving all July Talk fans wanting more, anticipating this albums release. 'Strange Habit' was a nice contrast and truly showed the diversity of what this band has to offer as far as style, composition, and creativity.

The albums title song 'Touch' is a song which also harnesses humanity and all our idiosyncracies: the craving to be understood and loved while also not wanting to reveal too much for fear of being 'exposed' and 'vulnerable'. Another brilliant song.

Going further still, songs like 'Picturing Love' (first track off the album) is a good dose of Peters gravelly vocals and intensity followed by 'Beck + Call', 'Now I Know', 'Johnny + Mary', 'Lola + Joseph', and 'So Sorry' lend vivacity, power, and balance to this already epic 10-track album.

As a Music Journalist, I have to say that I am completely satisfied with this album in its entirety. There are no flaws here and I tip my hat to these Artists who have not only been consistently touring across country throughout the summer, but also charming and acquiring (and maybe even shocking? Just a little) a rapidly growing new fan base. Their onstage performances coincide with the powerful image and persona which they have engraved into the hearts and souls of their loyal fans. This album gets a Starlight Music Chronicles five out of five star rating!