The Talkies cover

The Talkies

Gilla Band · 2019

45 min · 12 tracks

Fractured melodies and chaotic rhythms intertwine with dissonant vocals, creating an immersive and unpredictable sonic landscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Going Norway — This track exemplifies the band's blend of frenetic energy and introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of their unique sound while showcasing their ability to create catchy yet complex arrangements.
  • →
    Couch Combover — With its driving beat and sharp lyrics, this track stands out as a commentary on everyday mundanity, making it relatable while also highlighting the band’s clever wordplay.
  • →
    Salmon of Knowledge — This lengthy piece showcases the band's ability to build tension through layered instrumentation, culminating in a cathartic release that reflects the album's overarching themes of struggle and enlightenment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental nature and unique sound contribute to its distinctiveness and critical acclaim.

What we noticed

  • The album features abrupt transitions between tracks, often shifting from chaotic noise to quieter, more melodic sections.
  • Vocals are frequently layered and distorted, creating a sense of dissonance that complements the fractured instrumentation.
  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, eschewing traditional verse-chorus formats in favor of more experimental arrangements.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Shoulderblades

    The shift to second-person address creates an intimate confrontation with the listener about personal insecurities and societal expectations.

    This choice deepens the emotional impact by drawing listeners directly into the narrative, making them complicit in the feelings being expressed.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Prolix 1:49
  • 2 Going Norway 4:13
  • 3 Shoulderblades 6:07
  • 4 Couch Combover 3:34
  • 5 Aibohphobia 2:41
  • 6 Salmon of Knowledge 6:20
  • 7 Akineton 1:47
  • 8 Amygdala 1:43
  • 9 Caveat 2:47
  • 10 Laggard 5:56
  • 11 Prefab Castle 7:38
  • 12 Ereignis 1:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata