Mr Lilter: Talk the Talk
Hailing from a quiet corner of North Yorkshire and building their sound around a mixture of blues, swing and retro rock ’n’ roll, unsigned band Mr Lilter do not so much as follow a trend as make up their own. The emphasis of their songs being on catchy melodies, accessible lyrics and generally getting feet tapping, they recorded their first album It’s Only Money in 2003. The follow-up, originally titled On Trial and later renamed and re-released with a revised track listing, Talk the Talk, continues the same upbeat vibe and overall is an even more confident- and professional-sounding showcase for their unique sound.
Chloe opens the album with a brisk drumbeat, a bluesy bass line and jangling guitar riff before John Gillies’ and Sam Stockdale’s vocals make their entrance. The effectiveness of the band’s format is immediately apparent: the combination of male and female vocals adds range and colour and the musicianship is of a very high standard. The tune rattles along at a brisk pace and the impression given is that the band is having a great time doing what they’re doing.
The title track is next, with more of the same in terms of bright and cheerful melodies. It is another prime example of what makes this band so special: everything about them points you towards a band of years gone by. You can make out a little of the Stones, a little of Dire Straits, a little of the Velvet Underground, a little bit of everything in fact. That is not to say that they are derivative; rather, the sense of familiarity is intentional and the songs pay homage to old classics.
This Passion is a chance to ‘rock out’ a little with some distortion on the guitars and a more forceful beat, then comes the ska-tinged Steaknife which would not seem out of place in a smoke-filled stateside blues club with the espionage-themed lyrics and Sam’s classy vocals that take centre stage. Time Bomb is a smoother and slightly more laid-back offering in which John’s voice is at its best, and Snake Eyed brings the tempo back up with sparkling guitar lines and jazz-inspired drums. Man He Loves His Music and Untwist the Knife are back into chill-out territory with a really carefree feel.
It is Untwist the Knife in which we see a short guitar solo; technically impressive without being pretentious or out of place. In My Youth is more of an acoustic number that is the sound of a band being undeniably cool without needing to try before Give me Money adds a warbling electric guitar into the mix while the pace picks up once again and the lyrics add a bit of showbiz swagger. The acoustic guitar makes a final appearance in the closing track My Sunrise, with minimalist drums and John singing the emotionally-charged lyrics with care and restraint; it is a surprisingly tender and soothing ending to the record.
In Summary
With so many music acts of today relying on electronic gadgetry, trying too hard in being up-to-date and fashionable and ultimately succeeding in sounding just like everyone else, it is refreshing to hear an outfit who realise what really matters when performing a great song and do things their own way. This album is more self-assured than their first and the technical proficiency when performing is clear with every track; it is also hopelessly catchy! If you are looking for something that is upbeat and a little different, this could well be the album for you.
Tracklisting
- Chloe
- Talk the Talk
- This Passion
- Steaknife
- Time Bomb
- Snake Eyed
- Man He Loves His Music
- Untwist the Knife
- I’m in my Youth
- Give Me Money
- My Sunrise
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