Land of Talk

With lovely, emotive vocals and an abrasive power-trio sound, Montreal’s Land of Talk are a bright new light on the indie punk landscape. Elizabeth Powell is a uniquely talented vocalist with a gift for hooky phrasing and stubborn, challenging lyrics. There’s a bit of Fugazi’s influence (specifically Guy Picciotto) in songs like "Speak to Me Bones” and "Sea Foam,” and there are hints of empowering ideas in Powell’s compelling, nebulous lyrics. She comes out of her corner swinging on "Summer Special” and "All My Friends,” unafraid to address stereotypes about young women with an even mix of rage and sarcasm. Within these songs and others like, "Magnetic Hill,” there is a sense that Powell might be capable of re-writing the love song formula, mixing in gritty realism with romantic ideals. In her younger incarnation, Powell was an outspoken songwriter, seemingly unafraid to fight anyone on any subject. She has retained her defiant tone with Land of Talk but her spiky exterior belies the naked emotion that sustains her as an artist.