Critiques CD: Land of Talk | Cloak and Cipher

Montreal’s Land of Talk take a new step and apply what they’ve learned to their second studio album since 2006. Elizabeth Powell’s vocals are more controlled than on previous releases due in part to a scare with some vocal polyps last year. But it’s not only Lizzie’s voice that has changed. Taking cues from her stints on stage with the BSS, the sound is softer and the melodies are more layered. Instead of a tortured, live-off-the-floor recording, Land of Talk is lighter, more subtle, positive and even pretty. Special guests from Arcade Fire and Stars lend a hand when needed.