Review
South London’s Talk Show has been making waves with their electrifying sound, and their highly anticipated debut album, Effigy, solidifies their status as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from the UK music scene. Released via Missing Piece Records and produced by Remi Kabaka Jr. (known for his work with Gorillaz), Effigy arrives amidst a flurry of anticipation, accompanied by a European tour that promises to be nothing short of explosive.
Four years in the making, Effigy draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences ranging from The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy to Nine Inch Nails and The KLF, the record ventures into uncharted territory at the intersection of techno, electronic, industrial and rock music. The result is this immersive, multi-sensory experience that transports listeners to a dark, sweaty warehouse pulsating with raw energy and emotion.
From the moody vibes of ‘Closer’ to the golden allure of ‘Gold’ and the fiery intensity of ‘Red/White’, each track on Effigy is a sonic adventure. It’s like being on a wild ride through a sonic wonderland where anything goes and the only rule is to let loose and embrace the weirdness. Let’s talk about it some more.
The album’s opener ‘Gold’ plays like a statement of intent with its hypnotic rhythm and visceral lyrical chants from frontman Harrison Swann, both of which create a sense of claustrophobia and unpredictability that’s echoed at various points throughout the album. ‘Panic’ switches between intimate whispering vocals and chaotic instrumentals, while chants of “we get closer and closer” on lead single ‘Closer’ flirt with a climax that never quite arrives.
Talk show is a band that steps into a new territory with confidence, with endless possibilities ahead. They have shown an adeptness akin to the trail blazers of the post-punk sound they cut their teeth with. One thing is certain: the journey is just beginning.