Timothy Ivan captures the darkness of denial in “Know the Talk”

Timothy Ivan's "Know the Talk" is a late-night talk you can't get away from. A shadowy art-pop setting built on analog synths, live drums, bass, and saxophone, with an understated vocal opening that builds into a somber chorus. The song's tension comes from seeing someone in a relationship that holds them back,, and they don't want to admit it as everyone else can. “Know the Talk” is a powerful work of discomfort, a human portrait of denial, concern and emotional distance.