Land of Talk - "Speak to Me Bones" 7"

Land of Talk – “Speak to Me Bones”/"Death By Fire" 7”

Label Fandango, 2007

Acquired: Half Price books, Used, 2013

Price: $1

 

I thought this was some dirgey indie rock until I realized Land of Talk’s singer was a woman and that I hadn’t set the turntable to 45 RPM. I was kind of into it. At proper speed, Canadian trio Land of Talk are a pretty good distillation of the dance-beat tinged post-punk revival of the late 00s. There’s a strong reverence for Sonic Youth on “Speak to Me Bones,” which strikes with a quick burst of indie rock glory. It’s not the most original thing in the world, but the track is competent and refreshing. The AA side “Death By Fire,” is awesome. Elizabeth Powell’s vocals break towards an aching loveliness as the band spins a downtrodden indie rock in a way much reminiscent of Baltimore’s Wye Oak. Land of Talk are best known as the group Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon produced shortly after breaking it big, which is unfortunate because they’re good enough to stand on their own two feet.

"Speak to Me Bones"


"Death By Fire"