Talkdemonic: Beat Romantic (The Arena Rock Recording Company)

This is the second release from Portland's Talkdemonic and it is decidedly more sophisticated than the first. Kevin O'Connor has really found his place—and a perfect partner in viola player Lisa Molinaro—on this sonically dense album. Where the first album, Mutiny Sunshine, was obsessed with hip-hop beats, Beat Romantic shows maturity in the layering and composition of sounds. Avoiding the error of many post-rock bands, Talkdemonic has evolved into an efficient cruiser, weaving tight, complex patterns without sinking the ship with sound.

I had the opportunity to play with Talkdemonic about two years ago in San Francisco and I was in awe of Kevin's ability to put on such a intricate show by himself. Not only is he a great drummer, but the programmed sounds were impeccable, the other live instrumentation he threw in was beautiful, and he was a charming man to boot. I've missed the last tour, but I can highly recommend checking out the duo if they come through your town. (www.talkdemonic.com)

7 Blips out of 10 By Nate Daly