TALKING HEADS / CROW'S PERCH

Frankly, I had no idea about this early single before today! I became a huge fan of Schlagenheim, their debut LP, released a month after in June 2019, shortly after it had come out. I'm ultimately unsurprised I missed this'n. I was only starting to listen to discographies generally more seriously around that time. From their more simple to their more complex offerings, I think this debut single is a solid start (for them and new listeners).

Our A-side is "Talking Heads" [3.75/5.00], a bright, upbeat number which pulls from Post-Punk and Afrobeat. How fitting. I sincerely appreciate the young Brits in Black Midi. Their vision is nearly unmatched in popular music currently, though it's a wonder to me that they've (thankfully) got their recognition. But it isn't unlike the focus of the Talking Heads (although I'm sure there are better examples in Pop out there). But Black Midi has revealed themselves, I think even here, to be much, much more; "Talking Heads" be Avant-Pop.

Its B-side is the very different, though still within their bounds, "Crow's Perch" [4.25/5.00]. Also pulling sonically from Post-Punk (specifically the mix of rhythm section and the brightness of the rhythm guitar), this track offers some complexity. Otherwise, the guitar effects likewise resemble Post-Rock and the harshest Math Rock out there (like Hella or Don Caballero, perhaps). It's also a great, early showcase of vocalist Geordie Greep's specific style. At times he strikes me as a Peter Hammill-level dramatist. People often, and rightly, point out the supremacy of drummer Morgan Simpson. But I will always say that he's well-matched. I find this to be the better track, offering more in composition and sonic diversity. I highly recommend its official music video, as well. It's a hectic, amateur-video-meets-Pop-Art sort of thing. Works well.