Album review: TALK – Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees

Capitol Records [Release date 20.10.23]

Nicholas Durocher, known professionally as Talk, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician from Ottawa, who recently released his debut album, ‘Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees’, which charted at number 33 in his native Canada.

Executively produced by hitmaker Justin Tranter, it includes Talk’s debut single ‘Run Away To Mars’, a song that made it to number one on the Spotify Global Viral 50, and reaching multi-platinum certification around the world, including in Canada, Sweden, Norway and more.

“The concept for ‘Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees’ was dreamed up by my executive producer Justin Tranter and I,” TALK explains. “I think what we created was almost exactly what was originally envisioned—an album that was made with love and heart, that I hope will put a smile on people’s faces or be a warm hug to those who need one.”

Gave this album a listen after reading a review in a magazine and since first playing the album it has become a firm favourite. Shame I didn’t hear it earlier in the year as it would be shoe-in for my year end top five albums. It is Talk’s vocals and the musical arrangements/sound, particularly in the harmony vocals, that make this album that little bit extra special.

Imagine Dragons come to mind on ‘History’, with its superbly OTT guitar solo, whilst album closer ‘Set On Me’, has a whiff of classic Coldplay about it (yes dear reader, such a thing does exist!).

Easy to hear why ’Run Away To Mars’ was such a global hit. From its gentle acoustic riff through to Talk’s heartfelt vocals, it really is something rather special. ‘Fall For You’ has that hit potential too. More upbeat and another one to utilise his vocal talents to the max.

Just over 33 minutes of theatrical rock bliss. Talk’s debut is a grand affair and he is an artist on the up & up. Get onboard now and say you were there at the start of something special and magical. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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