You go along to a free show not expecting much. On a night when some people were paying hundreds of pounds to see Robbie Williams, a mile away Toronto band July Talk were playing a free gig at The Brudenell Social Club. I know who got the best deal! I’m sure Robbie was good: note perfect even. But I doubt him or his audience had quite as much fun as we did. Or for that matter as much fun as July Talk themselves. Because if there is one word that can describe a July Talk show that word simply has to be fun. It was a small crowd but they pulled out all the stops and their free gig will not quickly be forgotten.
Peter Dreimanis and his husky delivery will, I suppose, be compared to Tom Waite: to me it was more Johnny Cash because his growl is deliciously augmented by the shadowy-voiced Leah Fay. Their chemistry is something you can touch, and it all comes together on stage. It is easily obvious that this is where they fell most comfortable, they were up for a Bucky Award for best live performance. The whole of the set drips with sultry sexiness because of Fay and a whole set of confidence from Dreimanis. Everything they do screams fun, indeed, the rapport between band and spectators is littered with Dreimanis asking “are you having fun”? The answer was a resounding yes. The reason for this is simple. July Talk writes their caustic songs with the live show in mind. “I would die before playing an unenergetic show” Dreimanis once said in interview. It is clear that all their energy will soon be directed to playing bigger shows. This band is awesome.
For all features and interviews with July Talk, click here.
Photos and Review by Stuart Glossop | @StuartofLeeds | Facebook