Talk Talk - Live At Montreux 1986

Talk Talk - Live At Montreux 1986 is an electrifying and spellbinding musical performance by the British band Talk Talk, captured live at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1986. The concert showcases the band's unique and innovative approach to music, blending elements of post-punk, art-rock, new wave, and ambient music, and defying easy categorization.

The concert opens with the hauntingly beautiful instrumental track "Pictures of Bernadette," which slowly builds up from delicate piano and synth layers to an explosive climax that sets the tone for the rest of the show. The band members - Mark Hollis (vocals, guitar), Paul Webb (bass), Lee Harris (drums), and Rupert Black (keys) - are dressed in minimalist black outfits and exude a cool and confident stage presence that belies their young age.

Hollis's voice is a revelation throughout the concert, soaring and swooping between lines with effortless grace and a hint of vulnerability. He delivers stunning renditions of some of the band's most iconic songs, such as "Life's What You Make It," "Such a Shame," and "Living in Another World," each one eliciting rapturous applause from the audience.

The band's musicianship is equally impressive, with each member contributing to a rich and layered sound that often veers into experimental and improvisational territory. Harris's drumming is particularly noteworthy, as he deftly shifts between propulsive rhythms and intricate fills that add texture and complexity to the songs. Webb's basslines anchor the songs with a steady pulse, while Black's atmospheric synths and keyboards add a dreamlike quality to the music.

The concert's standout moment comes with the performance of "Runeii," a lesser-known track from the band's second album that showcases their adventurous and boundary-pushing approach to music. The seven-minute track is a tour de force of atmospheric soundscapes, thudding rhythms, and fiery guitar solos that showcase the band's virtuosity and creativity.

The concert ends on a high note with the anthemic "It's My Life," a track that still resonates with audiences today and has become one of the band's most enduring hits. The band's tight playing and Hollis's soaring vocals create an unforgettable moment that leaves the audience on their feet, cheering and clapping.

The concert is expertly directed and filmed, with the stage bathed in moody lighting that complements the band's atmospheric soundscapes. The camera angles and close-ups capture the intimacy and intensity of the performance, making the viewer feel like a part of the audience.

Talk Talk - Live At Montreux 1986 is a masterful showcase of a band at the peak of their creative powers, delivering a musical performance that is both timeless and ahead of its time. While some may write off Talk Talk as an '80s relic, this concert underscores the band's enduring influence on contemporary music and their ability to craft songs that come alive in a live setting. Whether you were a fan of the band in their prime or are discovering them for the first time, this concert is a must-watch for anyone who loves innovative and boundary-pushing music that defies easy categorization.