Talks - Steampunk Cafe, Glasgow, 5/4/2014

  by Jessica Combe

published: 3 / 5 / 2014

intro

New Pennyblackmusic writer Jessica Combe watches rising Hull-based ska group the Talks play an energetic set at the Steampunk Café in Glasgow

On the third date of their extensive UK tour, the Talks, a young band from Hull, who are full of energy, style and bouncing tunes, showed Glasgow that they know more than a thing or two about ska. In the unusual venue of The Steampunk Café, Paisley’s punk/ska mash-up, the Ska-Beat Jakes were the first to take the stage with their riotous style. Kudos was definitely owed to the band and their unrehearsed stand-in drummer who thrashed through their loud, anarchic set. The mood was instantly changed when second band the Post Orgasmic Sunshine Band filled the dark basement bar with their...er...sunshine reggae sounds. Dancing was not an option when they started, as their infectious beats ensured that even the most reluctant dancers were moving in time with the music right through this set. Finally, with the audience fully warmed up, the Talks burst into their lively set with a sound very true to that of 2 Tone ska but with a very modern and individual style. Although relatively unknown in Glasgow, this definitely did not show from both their presence and the crowd’s more than enthusiastic response. When not jumping around the stage and switching between guitar and sax, lead singer, Patrick Pretorius, ensured that the audience were always involved. He was by no means alone, with Iain Allen throwing some impressive shapes whilst maintaining solid, catchy bass lines and Jody Moore strumming furiously on his guitar while providing the backing vocals. Richard Lovelock completed the four piece with his skilled drumming skills and enviable stamina providing the heavy rhythms throughout the whole set. Tactically throwing well known covers into the mix, the Talks kept the audience engaged throughout whilst throwing themselves around the stage with an unrivalled level of energy. The set built up throughout until their final and best known song, 'Friday Night'. This was not enough, as the familiar chant of “one more tune” invited the Talks to end with their track from the Specialized album, 'Hands Off She’s Mine' (a cover of the Beat’s famous song) ensuring that the gig ended on a definite high. It is safe to say that the Talks will have a lot of people returning to their next Glasgow gig.

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