In this ‘Listed’ feature, we get to know the most radicalist up-and-coming stars through a themed list of their top musical picks.

This time Talos gives us 10 songs which influenced the writing and recording of his new record, Far Out Dust.

In 2017, Irish musician Talos, aka Eoin French, released his debut album Wild Alee and it was a resounding success. We certainly loved the record here at TMR, covering album tracks ‘In Time’, ‘Odyssey’ and ‘Contra’. The multi-talented musician has wasted no time with his sophomore offering, Far Out Dust. It’s as resplendent and tender as ever, with introspective moments of abstract production and vulnerable minimalism, which sides alongside grandiose climaxes. The new album is a product of Talos’ globe-trotting adventure, in which he travelled to New York, Los Angeles, London, Dublin, Cork and Reykjavik to write and record these transcendent tracks. Along the way, French discovered and re-discovered pieces of music which would go on to influence Far Out Dust in one form or another. Here the artist known as Talos gives us ten of those essential songs.  

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1. Jóhann Jóhannsson – ‘The Cause of Labour is the Hope of the World’

I first heard this song last January while waiting to grab the bus back to the airport in Keflavik. My friend Colm put it on and it’s both crushingly beautiful and completely uplifting all at the same time.



2. James Holden and The Animal Spirits – ‘Each Moment Like the First’

Production wise James Holden has been a massive influence for me. This song is one of my favourites.



3. Miguel – ‘Waves’ (Tame Impala Remix)

This was the song that I turned on for a break during the recording of the album.



4. Nils Frahm – ‘My Friend The Forest’

All Melody was my favourite album of 2018. I heard this live in the Funkhaus last January and it just blew me away.



5. Cocteau Twins – ‘Pearly Dewdrops Drop’

Liz Frazer is one of my favourite vocalists ever.



6. Talk Talk – ‘Such A Shame’

A classic pop tune, and Mark Hollis was one of my idols.



7. Japan – ‘Ghosts’

Weird and beautiful.



8. Kate Bush – ‘Cloudbusting’

Hounds of Love could potentially be my favourite album ever… and this song is one of the best on there.



9. Wild Beasts – ‘Two Dancers (i)’

This song will forever remind of my youth. Such an iconic band. Not a lot of modern bands were ever able to carve out a sound that was so unique.



10. Jóhann Jóhannsson - ‘Mandy Love Theme’

My favourite film last year [Mandy] and my favourite soundtrack.



Talos’ Far Out Dust is out now via BMG.

-Hannah Thacker