Originally published in Soundcheck Magazine (10/10/08)
Talkdemonic
Eyes at Half Mast
Arena Rock
Available Now
Behind Talkdemonic’s hardened lab coat shell - the same kind of cold experimentation that works for bands like Explosions in the Sky - is a great white, fiery ball of potential. On their latest album, Eyes at Half Mast, the band continues to affirm that potential without exactly reaching it. It’s like founder Kevin O’Conner and his musical assistant Lisa Molinaro can see the horizon and make out the shapes of the land ahead, but can’t quite seem to sail the ship to shore. Surrounding the banjo heartbeat with moaning violas, buzzing synths and shocking dashes of dissonance seems to be the scientific equation here, and it’s certainly an interesting listen. But this album suffers the same fate as Dungen’s new album, 4 - there are plenty of ideas, but none that are given any legs to stand on. Perhaps O’Conner is being too modest, and should indulge his inner-progger. The irresistible build of “Black Wood Crimson” sets up Talkdemonic for a symphony that never comes. I never thought I’d say this, but I want more pretension.
-Andy Pareti
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