Rock has many faces. Alt rock, classic rock and art rock, to name but three. As you would have guessed, I don’t name these three by coincidence. It’s these forms that London five-piece Talma combines. Their bio says so, so it’s true.

But although no one likes to be pidgeon-holed, it’s perhaps more helpful to make some musical comparisons. Most obvious, to my ears, is the inspiration the band draws from The Smiths. I know, Smiths fans are hard to be satisfied, but in my opinion, Talma pulls it of. And I’m a Smiths fan myself, you should know…

Talma’s single Lifeline is about the sense of alienation that can come with life in the modern city. “It explores the juxtaposition of being surrounded by millions of people, but still feeling a sense of loneliness every day,” frontman Henry Adams explains.
Lifeline is a great song, that sounds like it could’ve been sung by Morrissey.

If guitar music is dead (which isn’t the case, by the way), then long live Talma!

Werner Schlosser

Music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Has been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, he developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart.