Ears Wide Open: Talk Time

Kevin Bronson on June 15th, 2018

0

“Year of Self,” the debut single from new L.A. quintet Talk Time, is a sparkling, road trip-worthy slice of California pop, a trip up the 101 and back with no destination in mind except the horizon. It’s the work of guys who’ve soundtracked those vistas before, although never quite this affecting.

The band started when singer-guitarist Edson Choi and guitarist Mike Nissen got together after the demise of their previous projects. Choi fronted the overlooked L.A. indie outfit Warships (and also had a duo project, Miracle Days, with Dre Babinski before she went to work as Steady Holiday), and Nissen played in A House for Lions, who released a full-length in 2014. The pair connected, and soon Andrew Smith, John Ransom Tucker and Derek Howa came on board.

The lush production comes courtesy of Matt “Math” Bishop, who has engineered with producer Jacknife Lee on albums from the likes of U2, Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club, the Killers and Silversun Pickups. “Year of Self” is the first song from a five-track EP, coming this summer.

Of the single, the band says: “‘Year of Self’ is a celebration and mantra for the unique thinkers with courage to live outside the box, and an ode to the astronomer Galileo.” Cast your eyes (and ears) to the heavens yourself.

||| Stream: “Year of Self”