Dusted Down – Talk Talk: Snow On The Moon / Demos
Evolution from new wavers to avant pop legends documented via two albums.
The release of two new Talk Talk compilations, Snow on the Moon and Demos, showcases the band’s extraordinary evolution from synth-pop beginnings to groundbreaking avant-garde artistry. These compilations offer a comprehensive exploration of their creative trajectory, shedding light on the nuanced transformation that made Talk Talk one of the most influential bands in modern music history.
Talk Talk, the English group formed in 1981, initially made waves in the early 1980s synth-pop scene. Led by the enigmatic Mark Hollis, the band’s early music was characterised by catchy, synth-driven melodies that resonated deeply with the New Wave movement. Their debut album, The Party’s Over (1982), and the follow-up, It’s My Life (1984), produced memorable hits such as ‘Talk Talk,’ ‘It’s My Life,’ and ‘Such a Shame.’ These tracks established Talk Talk as a prominent force in both the UK and international music scenes, drawing inevitable comparisons to other synthpop luminaries like Duran Duran.
However, as the mid-1980s approached, Talk Talk began to shift their musical direction dramatically. Moving away from the mainstream pop sound that had defined their early work, they started to embrace more experimental and atmospheric compositions. This transition is evident in the critically acclaimed albums The Colour of Spring (1986), Spirit of Eden (1988) and Laughing Stock (1991). These records highlighted the band’s innovative approach to music production, blending elements of jazz, ambient, and post-rock. Their recording process was almost ritualistic, with band members and producers spending weeks in the studio, surrounded by a variety of instruments and microphones, crafting intricate soundscapes that felt both organic and meticulously arranged.
Their bold evolution inspired many artists to explore more atmospheric, genre-defying compositions, solidifying Talk Talk’s enduring impact on modern music trends.
Mark Hollis’ recent passing in 2019 reverberated throughout the music industry, with many reflecting on the profound impact of his work with Talk Talk. Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears hailed him as a “god among mortals,” noting that calling their music “80s music” would diminish its brilliance. Talk Talk’s transition from synthpop to post and art rock has been widely cited as a key influence on Radiohead’s shift away from guitar-driven music to the experimental, electronic sound of Kid A. Their bold evolution inspired many artists to explore more atmospheric, genre-defying compositions, solidifying Talk Talk’s enduring impact on modern music trends. Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell mentioned that Spirit of Eden and Laughing Stock deeply influenced her band’s album Pygmalion. Goswell spoke warmly of Hollis’ “fragile beauty” and described his voice and compositions as providing a sense of peace. Talk Talk’s work, much like Hollis himself, continues to resonate deeply with musicians and fans.
Snow on the Moon is a curated collection of nine rare tracks. Remastered for this release, the compilation offers a look into the lesser-known corners of Talk Talk’s discography, taken from all stages of their career. The collection features a more sparse version of ‘Call In The Night,’ originally a B-side to ‘My Foolish Friend,’ where Mark Hollis’s impassioned vocals are beautifully intertwined with a delicate piano arrangement. Another standout is ‘John Cope,’ an outtake from the Spirit of Eden sessions, showcasing the band’s unique ability to create emotionally resonant soundscapes through unconventional instrumentation.
Additionally, the demo of ‘Eden’ presents an unpolished version of one of their most mystical tracks, offering fans a raw perspective on its creation. ‘After The Flood’ from Laughing Stock is revisited with an alternate take, providing fresh insights into one of their most celebrated songs. For long-time fans, Snow on the Moon feels like discovering a new chapter in the band’s career with some of these lesser known tracks.
The second compilation, Demos, is an intimate glimpse into the embryonic stages of Talk Talk’s music. This collection includes early versions of tracks like ‘Talk Talk,’ ‘Renee,’ and ‘Such A Shame,’ revealing the band’s initial new wave style before their adventurous departure into more avant-garde territory. The demos of ‘Mirror Man’ and ‘Candy’ highlight the band’s early talent for crafting meaningful and evocative songs, even before they fully matured as artists.
A particularly poignant addition is ‘Crying In The Rain,’ a ballad that showcases Hollis’s emotive vocal delivery. The early versions of ‘Tomorrow Started’ and ‘Caroline (Living In Another World)’ provide a fascinating clue as to how these tracks started out, later becoming highlights in their live performances, especially during the iconic Montreux Jazz Festival in 1986.
Together, Snow on the Moon and Demos serve as essential compilations for anyone interested in delving deeper into Talk Talk’s remarkable musical journey. These collections not only offer a rich exploration of the band’s creative process but also underscore their lasting influence on a wide array of genres. Whether you’re a devoted fan or discovering Talk Talk for the first time, these compilations provide a rare opportunity to experience the band’s innovative spirit and the profound impact they’ve had on the landscape of modern music.
Tim Humphrey