A lot of people don't realize that most indie rock is actually love songs. The differences between indie rock love songs versus mainstream ones come through in the prevalence of more love lost than won, and the poetic and creative way the songs are delivered. There are more dynamics, abstraction, and introspection disguising what would otherwise be an obvious message.
That type of songwriting was on display the last time Land of Talk was in Cleveland. They played an all-acoustic in/out-store at MUSIC SAVES, then a plugged in, explosively electric set opening for The Besnard Lakes at the Beachland. Many in attendance at both performances have since commented on the contrast between, and strength of, both sets. That's because Land of Talk frontwoman Elizabeth Powell is a damn good songwriter.
On Cloak and Cipher, Powell has found an ideal match in working with Jace Lasek, best known for his lead role in The Besnard Lakes. Lasek's contributions to the recording and production of Cloak and Cipher manage to transform Powell's beautiful songwriting into a wall of atmospheric, lush, symphonic, epic sounds. Like The Besnard Lakes' records, this Land of Talk record sounds grand and nuanced all at the same time, like a summer blockbuster in the hands of an auteur.
Land of Talk will return to The Beachland on September 19!
Recommended If You Like:
the first Land of Talk ep, chicks who are tough but soft, harmonious dichotomies, imperfect beauty, magnetic poetry, tequila, hope
Looks Like:
your kid sister becoming a woman.
Feels Like:
a really cleansing, cathartic scream.
Smells Like:
a hot buttered rum candle.
Listen to When:
pondering the difference between "loving" and "being IN love".
Vinyl the Cat says:
I've had my heart broken, too.
Land of Talk - Quarry Hymns
Land of Talk - Color Me Badd | 
