July Talk at the Old Blue Last

July Talk at the Old Blue Last | Live review

17^th April 2015

Amy McLelland

Shot by Filippo L'Astorina

Amy McLelland Shot by Filippo L'Astorina

17 April 2015

Canadian band July Talk are on a great run of tour dates; after a successful show at SXSW, they’ve crossed the pond to Europe and onto a sold-out show at the Old Blue Last in London. Their bluesy and alternative rock makes for a grungy feel to the night, and the crowd is certainly filled with passion and excitement, ready for the five-piece to take the stage.

As the group open with established tracks Blood + Honey and Someone, singers Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay quickly establish their substantial energy. They head up their fellow band members well, connecting with the crowd and working with each other on stage. New tracks such as Lola & Joseph and Sex Song go down fairly well, with the singers’ individual stage presences carrying the unknown music and helping the audience catch on and join in where they can. At one point, Fay insists that they sit on the floor; when they oblige, she performs amongst the seated crowd in an intimate interlude.

Performing in a musical style reminiscent of Nine Inch Nails or the Pixies, their songs include some gritty and infectious rhythms, a good mix of male and female vocals and some excellently catchy hooks. While the crowd at the Old Blue Last seem all to be clearly established July Talk fans, anyone unfamiliar with the band will have left with a new appreciation, and some songs to add to their playlists.

The encore is well received, and the musicians leave the packed venue to plenty of applause; the Canadians are obviously well liked here in the UK. With daring stage antics (think erotic mic positioning) and good banter with the crowd, July Talk have proven themselves to be both musically talented and likeable as people, giving their fans a good time. Hopefully they’ll be back soon for more European action.

★★★★★

Amy McLelland
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information about July Talk and future events visit here.