Sounding unlike any other track they’ve ever released before, The Talker is threaded around a joyous riff the band almost dismissed as “too frivolous” and fizzles with sarcastic humour as it dissects the nature of social control. Whispering Sons’ calling card post-punk atmospheres are there and so too is singer Fenne Kuppens’ distinctive contralto, but an expanded emotional spectrum has been added to the band’s foundations. “It's just so different from anything we did before,” notes Kuppens. “It is so playful but at the same time there is still a cynical streak running through that track.”
The Talker had been the subject of debate for a long time before the band finally decided that it had earned its place in their catalogue. Now it’s an essential part of the story. It’s a song that is bound to introduce the listener to a more open and daring Whispering Sons and the first single to be released from their brand-new album, which is expected to come out in 2024.
Listen to The Talker here: whisperingsons.ffm.to/thetalker
The video for the single acts as the middle chapter in a three-part short film. The full film, entitled Balm (After Violence) will see its premiere at the Film Fest Ghent with a special screening and live performance.
The video hits the vein of the song, being very playful and energetic with a slight absurdist feel. Heleen Declercq is the director of the full short film. By focusing on connection, Heleen has the ability to capture the essence of every subject she touches. Portraying the sensibility of the individual with the use of music and sound which always holds a special place in her work. And on the strength of ever striving to portray a sensible image through her lens – Heleen is most comfortable with the use of a docu-style in all genres.
The band will perform a series of exclusive small club shows in the autumn before going on a full European tour in spring 2024. They will also play this year’s Iceland Airwaves Festival and support The KVB in London.
FOLLOW WHISPERING SONS
FB / IG / X / YT / SPOTIFY
Live:
05.10.2023 — VOLTA, BRUSSELS
06.10.2023 — STORMKOP, ANTWERP
07.10.2023 — AFF, HASSELT
12.10.2023 — FILM FEST GHENT, GHENT (19.00PM)
12.10.2023 — FILM FEST GHENT, GHENT (21.00PM) SOLD OUT
