Land of Talk

Throughout much of its fifth release, Montreal trio Land of Talk trades its sharpened edge for a feathery one. Tempos are slowed. Vocal and musical tones are softer, with strings, horns and acoustic instruments present. The first three tracks follow a gentler, graceful arc until the fourth “Swift Coin” cuts across the sky in pursuit or being pursued. Many tunes arrive at and cross the five-minute threshold and the audience will follow them to the end. “The Hate I Won’t Commit” and “Blangee Blee” demonstrate how Elizabeth Powell and company gain speed and build emotional altitude.