Talk Talk - Live at Montreux

Talk Talk - Live at Montreux is a captivating music movie that showcases the timeless power of Talk Talk, a pivotal band in the British New Wave music scene of the 80s, live at one of the most renowned music festivals in the world, The Montreux Jazz Festival. The film, released in 2008, captures the standout performance of the band at the festival in the sweltering summer of 1986.

The film serves as a testament to Talk Talk's rule-defying musical versatility and style, revealing why they still continue to influence those original fans and attract new ones today. This was the time when the band was transitioning from their early "synth-pop" style to a more "post-rock" and experimental sound, which they explored in their subsequent albums.

The film begins by laying the groundwork for the build to this significant performance. The Montreux Jazz Festival, which started in 1967 in Switzerland, has provided an exclusive platform for musicians from multiple genres, from jazz to rock to pop. The band, Talk Talk, led by the enigmatic Mark Hollis, had already made a name for itself by pushing the boundaries of music and categorization.

The excitement mounts as the camera captures the crowd's anticipation and the electric atmosphere at the festival. It's a golden opportunity to not only hear Talk Talk performing live but to see them in action. It's an immersive experience, it's like being transported back in time to stand among the crowd, captivated by the energy and hypnotic appeal of the stage.

On-stage, Mark Hollis exudes an intoxicating blend of intensity and subtlety — his vocal delivery often both lyrical and ambitious. He is accompanied by his powerful founding band members, particularly Paul Webb on Bass and Lee Harris on Drums. The other members include Ian Curnow on Keyboards and Phil Rees on Percussion. And there is the prominent presence of the formidable Rupert Black, whose expertise on the piano, including dramatic use of synthesizers, adds an extra edge to the band's ingenious musical storytelling.

The setlist for the event smashes with the popular tracks from their then-current album "The Colour of Spring." Songs like "Life’s What You Make It" and "Living In Another World," echoed through the Montreux atmosphere, and intensified with their earlier hits, such as "Such a Shame" and "It’s My Life." Each track's live execution in the movie unveils the band's musical evolution, reflecting the shift from synth-pop brilliance to escalating towards a more profound, abstract, and experimental sound that would define their later work.

Throughout the film, the cinematography elegantly captures the excitement, the atmosphere, and the vibrant power exchanges between the musicians and the aficionados in the crowd. The close-ups of the band members bring an intimacy to their performances and interactions, capturing each emotion, each nuance in high precision.

The film also includes insightful interludes, showcasing the reactions and comments from the crowd, behind-the-scenes moments, and glimpses of the artist's personalities off-stage— all these elements equally contribute to the band's legendary status and profound impact.

If you're a fan of Talk Talk or you're interested in experiencing a significant piece of the 80s' New Wave music scene, "Talk Talk - Live at Montreux" is a must-watch. This is more than just a concert film; it's a deep dive into the heart of a band at the peak of its creative power and the sheer magic of their music. The movie stands as a testament to a time, a place, and a band that helped redefine pop music with their experimental and elusive soundscapes.

Both die-hard fans and new listeners will appreciate this film, absorbing both the spectacle of the performance and the band's far-reaching influence on future generations of musicians. The authenticity and raw energy that Talk Talk brought to the stage at Montreux in 1986 are still just as powerful and evocative today. The movie does a phenomenal job of capturing this energy and presenting it in a format that feels like both a joyful concert and an in-depth glimpse into this iconic band's inner world.

"Talk Talk - Live at Montreux" is more than just a film; it's an experience allowing viewers a front-row ticket into a pivotal moment in music history. Witness as the magic unfolds and talk-talk immerses you into their world – a world filled with enchanting melodies, raw passion, and unforgettable performances.