Tallies @ Future Yard, Birkenhead, 11.05.22

With their debut UK headline tour underway, Toronto dream pop weavers Tallies are on these shores to flag up their second album Patina, due for release this summer. Taking to the stage at Birkenhead music wellspring Future Yard on the other bank of the Mersey, the quintet open with their most recent single, Hearts Underground.

A combination of beguiling jangle pop melodicism and lead singer Sarah Cogan’s sweeping vocals, the workings of the upcoming LP are aired alongside 2019s eponymous debut set. Taking inspiration from The Sundays’ genius, all-too-brief career and the Cocteau Twins’ trailblazing catalogue, Tallies pellucid sound also bares traces of The Smiths’ diversions into power pop. Former members of the ‘Twins have clearly been listening too, as the group recently inked a deal with Bella Union, the label established by Cocteau’s bassist Simon Raymonde.

While their gifts as texturalists are readily apparent, crucially the group succeed where it really counts, as songwriters. Evoking Harriet Wheeler, Tanya Donnely and Kirsty McColl at points, Cogan’s vocal melodies on No Dreams Of Fayres and Midnight insinuate their way into the memory bank deliciously. Providing the musical canvas, lead guitarist Dylan Franklin’s Fender Jazzmaster piloted arpeggios, lead lines and subtle chord changes envelop the songs beautifully, with a pleasing hint of Kevin Shields’ glide guitar atmospherics.

Taking a sonic diversion, recent cut Wound Up Tight uncovers a more abrasive side to the group, an avenue the outfit hopefully pursue further. Showcasing drummer Cian O’Neill’s exacting foundation work, the upbeat Motown stomp of Mother supplies the highpoint of the set. A superb demonstration of their wares, Patina is shaping up to look extremely promising on this evidence. And as far as genre descriptions go, the present group are absolutely on point. Dream pop? Correct on both counts.

Photos by Polyphonica UK