Back to Back July Talk in Ottawa

Last week, the Bronson Centre Music Theatre treated Ottawa alt rock fans to a double dose of July Talk, as the Juno Award-winning band from Toronto played back to back shows celebrating the 10th anniversary of the release of its Touch X Tour album.

Shooting the first of the two Ottawa shows felt less like documenting a concert and more like trying to keep pace with something a little more volatile.

Julianna Riolino opened the night with a six song set, featuring songs primarily from her recently released sophomore album, Echo In The Dust. Her blend of country, folk and indie rock was smooth and controlled while conveying a confidence that just draws the audience in. The lighting matched the sound perfectly, as warmer tones highlighted songs that demonstrated both
her softness and toughness. As she progressed through her set, the energy in the Bronson Centre continued to build, while setting the stage for a dramatic tonal shift to July Talk.

From the moment July Talk took the stage, the contrast from the opener was evident. As always, the show was defined by the interplay between Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay Goldstein. You can’t help but immediately feel the raw energy of Dreimanis’ gravelly-almost-growling voice that rips through the air in a way that feels unhinged but satisfyingly controlled.

As a perfect complement, Goldstein delivers melodic lines with a theatrical edge that give their songs that dynamic of tension and release. Performing while pregnant, she brought a level of intensity that was nothing short of remarkable, with a presence that was consistently commanding.

Unpredictable but absolutely precise in delivery, driving guitars, tight rhythms and hard-hitting hooks delivered a sound that was punchy and direct. The pacing rarely let up, and live, that energy exuded just enough chaos to keep the crowd fully engaged. The lighting shifts from bright whites, to warmer tones, to shadowy darkness, visually reinforced the feelings of drama and tension throughout the set. As someone seeing July Talk in-person for the first time, the show could only be described as relentless in the best way – unbridled intensity that demanded attention, while rewarding fans with those intimate moments of interaction that makes July Talk so special.

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