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The Talkies
by
The Talkies Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

  • Summary: The second full-length release for the Irish noise rock band was recorded at Ballintubbert House.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Line of Best Fit
    Sep 23, 2019
    95
    The Talkies is a devastating and jaw-dropping record that provokes awe and anxiety in equal measure. Although there are elements throughout the record that are ‘quintessentially’ Girl Band, The Talkies builds upon these elements and makes a vast leap sonically and narratively with the aid of unrestrained experimentation. There is a definitive artistic expression found on The Talkies and frankly it should be a late contender for any albums of the decade list.
  2. DIY Magazine
    Sep 27, 2019
    90
    It’s testament to their skill and commitment that it all hangs together so well. What could brush off as mere novelty instead thrives as an almost unique ability to mix anything and everything within arms reach. By being almost completely unrestrained and unmoderated ‘The Talkies’ can exist in its rawest and most vital form.
  3. The 405
    Sep 27, 2019
    90
    The Talkies is rough around the edges, is of a debased, primal nature, yet is incredibly on-point with the unsettling atmosphere it communicates. Girl Band is officially the crown jewel of Irish punk, if a beautifully horrific crown jewel.
  4. Uncut
    Sep 23, 2019
    80
    There's depth, vulnerability even humour to the lyrics. [Nov 2019, p.27]
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  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 24, 2019
    80
    Weirder, funnier and fiercer than ever, Girl Band return as heroes of the weirder corner of rock music, and they’ve outdone themselves this time.
  6. Mojo
    Sep 23, 2019
    80
    The Talkies is a scarifying, perverse noise-rock treat. [Oct 2019, p.85]
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  7. Q Magazine
    Sep 24, 2019
    60
    It's a punishing listen. ... But this is not a record for the faint-hearted. [Nov 2019, p.111]
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See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Ricko
    Oct 29, 2019
    5
    This is one of the most challenging and interesting albums I've heard this year. These two terms don't necessarily equate to the wordThis is one of the most challenging and interesting albums I've heard this year. These two terms don't necessarily equate to the word "enjoyable". Opener "Prolix", with its distressed breathing, is ominous and a suitable warning to the listener about what is about to happen to their ears over the next 45 minutes or so. It might be a stretch to say "Going Norway" is straightforward rock n roll but is definitely more accessible than anything else. It's got alot going on and in general is a great track. Things are less straightforward on "Shoulderblades". Everything on this album sounds like it shouldn't and the thing is you know the band put great effort into making this happen. It's around this point that we head into the extremely inaccessible middle section of the album. Some of it is hypnotic and most of the tracks in this sequence are short enough that they convey an idea without overstaying their welcome. "Salmon of Knowledge" starts ok but gradually drives over a cliff. The last few breaths of the album go relatively easy on the listener thankfully but at this stage, the hearing damage has been done.The drumming and guitar tones on the album are great if unnerving. The vocals are well suited to what Girl Band are looking to achieve. I'd like the vocals a little clear in order to hear the lyrics but this would definitely take from the effect the band are going for. This outfit are really really good at what they do. The question is will you (or anyone in their right mind ;-) like what they do. Some will, lots won't. For me, its something I'll visit on occasion but can't see myself listening/putting myself through it regularly.… Expand

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