Talk Me Off – Cursed

Talk Me Off, the up and coming punkers from Richmond, Virgina, have released an encouraging debut full length, Cursed, and it rocks.  The band features a rough and ragged punked up style that feels like a mix of Bad Cop/Bad Cop and Ashtray.  While the album marks their first formal LP, Talk Me Off already showcases promising elements of a seasoned punk band – they’re fun, fast, unpredictable, and always in your face.  

Cursed harbours all the markers of a fresh punk act figuring out their sound on their own, emerging from an idea into a cohesive unit.  The band aligns with many of their socially conscious peers, writing self-deprecating and personal songs with lines like, “wish it would get better, it just gets worse,” on the title track, further exploring a nosediving self confidence in songs like “Worry Wart.”  The songs feel emotionally rooted in experiences of disappointment, loss and frustration, yet they never lose at least a glimmer of hope. “Cut It Out” marches along with particular vigour, with steady riffs and steadfast drumming that sets a backdrop for guitarist and lead vocalist Holly to rattle along with machine gun speed.  She shares the mic regularly, with bassist Ryan, who provides lead vocals on “Liar,” “Enough,” and “Insidious.” His scratchy, slightly off tune style adds another strand to the band’s already frayed edges. The two alternate backing vocals on each other’s tracks, melding together with a clear chemistry reminiscent of other lesser known bands, like Ashtray, that came together quickly.  

Talk Me Off has mustered together an impressive debut of scrappy tunes that dig deep for inspiration.  While the album is decidedly loose, the foundation is strong enough to suggest that the rest will simply tighten up with time and experience.  The combination of scratchy emotive vocals and snotty punk attitude makes for an energetic romp that will leave listeners both satisfied in the moment and anticipating what comes next for the Richmond trio.