The Talkies
by Girl Band
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  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 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 nThis 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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. Under The Radar
    Oct 17, 2019
    80
    Unflinchingly stoic and resilient to the last, its 12 pieces are all carefully placed together consecutively like an ill-fitting jigsaw. It's a record that demands to be heard in its entirety, preferably in one sitting. Yet once digested, it never disappoints from thereon in.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Sep 30, 2019
    60
    It’s an intensely, intentionally stressful listen, the occasional victory of thumping, clanking grooves over the scraping, grating racket offering an illusion of normality before snatching it away again.
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  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.
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