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Smalltalk - Demo

Smalltalk do not sound like they are from Sheffield or, indeed, from this decade. They sound American. And very Eighties. Having said that, vocalist Lee West sounds like James Skelly of The Coral (English) and the lead guitar keeps reminding me of that Edwyn Collins song "A Girl Like You". And that wasn't from the eighties.

It's quite difficult to put your finger on who they do sound like, although you definitely get the impression that you've heard something like it before. I just don't know what. Find A Way is a bit "November Rain". But not a lot. Back Home starts a bit like The Stranglers but then Edwyn Collins plugs himself in again and it all gets a bit psychedelic. Opening track The Avenue even sounds a little bit like The Electric Soft Parade with the bloke from Delays on backing-vocals.

What can definitely be said about Smalltalk is that they have plenty of energy and are at their best when this is used to their advantage - as on tracks such as Bad Signs, If Ya Please and the aforementioned The Avenue (which is definitely the best track here). The band are obviously all very good musicians and are extremely tight on a well produced demo. Clues to what could well be influences on the bands sound come thick and fast – Gomez vocals? Pink Floyd solos? Oasis' heavier B-sides?

So there you have it… they don't sound American. Or Eighties. Perhaps a little bit like Jet? Or a bluesy Coral? You’ll just have to decide for yourself!