I like making up unique genre names for the bands I listen to, but I’ve noticed that it can get a little irritating and it’s not that evocative to most people after all. However, since Oregon-based duo talkdemonic describe themselves as "folktronic hop", I’m happy to repost that expression that suits them very well; and despite what you might think, it’s not that similar to Four Tet.

Kevin O’Connor and Lisa Molinaro are from the Pacific Northwest, but they sound like they could be related to the nebula of Canadian bands on the Arts & Crafts and Constellation labels: they play folk instrumentals that incorporate elements of post-rock, hip-hop and electronica. While the bands setup (a whiz kid with drums, laptop loops and a lead violonist) is similar to The Album Leaf’s, the mood is closer to the post-rock of Do Make Say Think or maybe an instrumental Laura Veirs, or Múm. talkdemonic will be opening two of the latter’s concerts in the US in the near future. I just found out about this band, and I’m really excited because although they share similarities with all the aforementioned artists, they have an immediately distinctive and pleasing sound.

I’m looking forward to their latest album, Beat Romantic, which is coming out September 17th in the UK.

talkdemonic – Mountaintops in Caves (from the new record, mp3 from labelsite)
talkdemonic – Mountain Cats (Youtube video)
talkdemonic – Final Russian (from previous record, mutinysunshine, mp3 from wweek.com)
talkdemonic on Myspace
talkdemonic official site / labelsite