Close Talker - Lens

  by Dave Goodwin

published: 18 / 7 / 2017

Label: Nevado Records
Format: CD

intro

Accomplished and summery third album from Canadian dream pop outfit Close Talker

Close Talker are made up of childhood friends Will Quiring, Matthew Kopperud, and Christopher Morien who grew up together in Canadian Saskatoon. Formed in 2012, the band has made great strides in a short period of time: two releases, numerous tours throughout North America, Europe and the UK, and international attention from revered and critically acclaimed blogs and publications. Since becoming a trio in the summer of 2015, the band has now honed their craft, creating a more vast and iconic sound that is turning heads and drawing crowds around the world. There are no fewer than ten songs on their accomplished latest LP 'Lens' which showcases the band’s maturity and poise, and also sends them in a slightly different direction to their past work. It has been produced by Matt Peters (Royal Canoe, Waking Eyes) and mixed by Marcus Paquin (The National, Arcade Fire, Local Natives). Reminding me of an early Scritti Politti, Close Talker have constantly refined their approach to music, composition, and poetry. Writing and recording 'Lens' during the harsh desolate prairie winter led the band to discover new depths of creativity experimenting with various new sounds while still trusting the instincts that made their earlier work so good. 'Lens' is loaded with heavy drums, thick keys and stark guitars and for Close Talker it marks a new chapter in the band's attitude for creating music more authentic than ever before. While 'Lens' remains an energetic and urgent blend of rhythmically driven grooves and spacious indie rock, the band continues to evolve as one of Canada’s most innovative and, according to 'Q' Magazine, "most exciting exports". Packed with melody and drifting choruses, 'Lens' is a nice way to while away a sunny afternoon and if you manage to find the beach flip on to the last track 'Seasonal Friends', my favourite on here which plays around with some slow drum beat and moaning guitars. It comes in a card sleeve which is quite a dark affair, and the back lists the album tracks which are very hard to read due to the font used. Other than that this is a stylish album with some strong content and an overall summery appeal even though it was recorded in the depths of winter.

Track Listing:-