Music

X3 Artist of the Month: Land of Talk

by Anne T. Donahue

In a year defined by follow-ups, the Montreal music scene has come into new light, with releases by Wolf Parade and the Arcade Fire working to solidify the Quebec city as an ever-relevant musical force.  This resurgence has continued with Land of Talk, the beloved Montreal three-piece who’ve satisfied old fans and established new ones by charming listeners with their recent sophomore record, Cloak and Cipher.

Watch the video for Quarry Hymns on AUX TV.

Fronted by Elizabeth Powell and rounded out by Joseph Yarmush on guitar and Andrew Barr on drums, the trio’s current lineup was solidified following the release of their 2008 full-length debut, Some Are Lakes, when the group’s supporting tour with Broken Social Scene marked the end of original guitarist Chris McCarron’s run with the band.  However, with the release of their 2009 EP, Fun and Laughter, Land of Talk’s profile continued to rise, as the group’s subtle magnetism made them impossible to ignore, further attesting to Canada’s strength as a musical presence.

Listen to Cloak and Cipher at CBC Radio 3.

As Powell’s delicate-yet-compelling vocals work to perfectly compliment the group’s unique mix of pop, rock and classic indie, the band’s natural chemistry shines through, maintaining the familial vibe fine-tuned by their fellow Canadian counterparts – a concept that’s been further reiterated by the musical presences of Patrick Watson and members of Stars, Arcade Fire and Silver Mount Zion Band on the group’s latest record.

Read Exclaims interview with the band.

While Powell recently garnered attention for her involvement with Broken Social Scene, it’s the band’s Cloak and Cipher that will currently keep listeners hypnotized, as the group’s full-length follow-up maintains a mysticism that’s matched only by their stunning visual counterparts – as attested by their 2009 video for “It’s Okay”.

With a North American tour scheduled from September to November, Land of Talk will undoubtedly solidify an extensive Canadian and US fanbase, as their understated intensity and innate accessibility works to charm and cradle audiences who long for both a musical and emotional connection.