July Talk Let Loose in Calgary

Canadian alt-rock band July Talk stormed the Grey Eagle Event Centre on a chilly Saturday night and turned up the heat.

Hosted by Calgary radio station X92.9, the show saw local band Kue Varo & The Only Hopes kicking off the night, having won the coveted stage slot after competing with many other local artists on the radio station. With their harmonious sound and powerhouse vocals, it was clear they were the perfect opener.

July Talk — comprised of vocalist Leah Fay Goldstein, guitarist-vocalist Peter Dreimanis, guitarist Ian Docherty, bassist Josh Warburton, drummer Danny Miles, and percussionist Dani Nash — gathered a crowd of all ages, with many fans having already seen the band several times before. During the minutes of anticipation before their set, the screen behind the stage displayed a note from the band stating the importance of their shows being a safe space for everybody.

The six-piece sauntered on stage amid bright white lights and cheers of excitement. Goldstein kicked off the set with a heartfelt Indigenous land acknowledgement before breaking into their first song of the night, “Silent Type.” Goldstein danced on stage while Dreimanis stepped off the stage and onto the barricade to sing his first verse, holding hands with a member of the crowd. Goldstein’s followed suit for her verse, walking across the barricade with fans guiding her along.

The band’s energy never faltered throughout the night, and it was obvious that every member on stage was having the time of their life. “It’s been a while since we played a show, so we had to let loose,” Dreimanis declared after an upbeat performance of “G-d Mother Fire.”

The chemistry between the two vocalists is arguably the most notable thing about the band, with their playful dynamic on full display. Goldstein would hold the microphone for Dreimanis while he sang and played his guitar, playfully push him around, and they would often intertwine hands and sing to each other. Dreimanis’ deep and gritty voice combined with Leah’s angelic tone often overlapped and complemented each other perfectly.

The band upheld their commitment to making their show a safe space when a medical emergency occurred in the crowd. Upon noticing, they immediately stopped mid-song, with Goldstein inquiring as to what was going on. They didn’t continue performing until they received a literal thumbs up, and even crowd-surfed a water bottle to the fan.

Not ones to shy away from the political side of the rock scene, Goldstein took a moment between songs to remind everyone to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming federal election, noting all those who fought for them to have that right. The crowd broke into applause in support of her statement.

Their explosive encore consisted of their hit songs “Push + Pull” and “The Garden,” the latter which they brought an enthusiastic fan onto stage to help sing the lively song — a performance that they were a natural at, and the crowd went wild for. The night ended on that high note, the band and the audience filled with wide smiles. Every show July Talk play, they give 100% and create a memorable and joyous night for everyone in the room, creating a beautiful community through their music.