Land of Talk
Applause Cheer Boo Hiss

(Rebel Group)

First Appeared in The Music Box, March 2008, Volume 15, #3

Written by Melissa Stroh

Sun March 2, 2008, 06:30 PM CST

Let’s face it: Canada has delivered some horrible musical talent over the past few decades. Avril Lavigne and Sum 41 immediately spring to mind, and of course, the queen of them all is Celine Dion. Yet, some truly great artists also have emerged from America’s northerly neighbor: The Weakerthans, Arcade Fire, and Stars all call Canada their home. So where does Land of Talk fall into this mix? One trip through the trio’s debut EP Applause Cheer Boo Hiss is enough to know that the group surely is climbing up the ranks.

Applause Cheer Boo Hiss begins with a bang, as Land of Talk goes loud and fast during opening cut Speak to Me Bones. Lead singer Elizabeth Powell sensually slurs the lyrics that she delivers with a rawness and uniqueness that rarely are seen. Words fall over the listener’s ears so quickly that once it ends, the song must be replayed to catch everything she says. Land of Talk is all about creating music that means something. For instance, toward the end of Speak to Me Bones when Powell sings "Not every girl is a nail/You’re not a hammer," she brings common issues to the forefront of her work. This is precisely what transforms this band into something to watch.

With Sea Foam and Summer Special, Powell continues to apply her muttered vocals to the rapid music. The former track sounds like a song that was created at the end of a long night of drinking. Over a pair of jangly guitars, the latter cut cruises along with the ease of a drive down the coast as Powell rambles on about easy, young girls and boys. Applause Cheer Boo Hiss concludes with Powell sounding more inebriated than ever as the drums and bass march along lethargically. Overall, the EP provides a good peek at what Land of Talk truly can deliver. It will be interesting to see what this Canadian band offers in the future, and whether it will flop or fly. ½

Applause Cheer Boo Hiss is available from
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Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2008 The Music Box