Collaborations between artists that inhabit different musical worlds can have a habit reaping powerful returns. A collision of cultures and collusion between unlike minds can provide renewed perspectives and inspirations, as comfort zones and well-worn paths become kicked and scuffed to reveal new territory under the influence of one another. Enter Eli Brown and Talk Show; Eli Brown with a lauded production career – and Calvin Harris collaborator on his Love Regenerator project – and Talk Show, rising South London punks named as Ones To Watch by the likes of NME and DIY, and featured by The Guardian, Dork, So Young, Clash, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1 and more.
When Eli Brown and Talk Show released the hard-hitting, explosive “Trouble” last month – superior techno shot-through with punk spirit and the inimitably charged vocal of Harrison Swann – it was clear that a partnership of some regard was forming, as it quickly drew approving nods from DJ Mag, Dork, i-D and NME. Talk Show’s Harrison Swann said at the time:
On the surface we’re from different worlds, but once we got stuck into the writing it was clear we were actually a lot closer stylistically, aiming for the same atmosphere and feeling.
Today marks the turn of Talk Show to land the second blow in their one-two-punch “Trouble” collaboration, as they mine Eli Brown’s musical universe for darkly-hued atmospheres. As Talk Show take the lead, they employ a pensive, build-and-release motif, to pull off a performance full of confrontation and bite. Already well-known as a stirring live spectacle – having toured with the likes of Fontaines D.C., Squid, Warmduscher, The Garden and Fat White Family- producer Joe Goddard captures their spirit perfectly in this live session video. Watch below.
Talk Show singer and guitarist Harrison Swann comments on the new track:
Getting into the studio to record the track with Joe and Al at the helm was a really great progression. The track evolved to become a different kind of beast. I did feel like I had to step up and deliver. Just when I went in to do the vocal takes, I do remember standing there in the vocal booth thinking, “right. I’ve gotta fucking blow this mic off its hinges”.
“Trouble” is a collaboration that brings together two unstoppable forces, each tearing at the threads of what their respective genres are capable of.