Torche - Harmonicraft

Now for something a little left of field from a band that I've only just recently discovered called Torche. This isn't a Death Metal band, they just straight up rock.

I took the liberty of writing a review for their new album 'Harmonicraft' after hearing it only a few days ago and being so impressed. So, what do they sound like? Well it's kind of like if Mastodon stripped down all their songs and added some more upbeat tempo, there's also some Queens Of The Stoneage similarities that I hear. When listening to this album it makes you feel good and it has your bopping your head and moving your feet to the infectious drums and guitar. Torche take a handful of different genres of music and throw them all in a blender and the end result tastes damn good. There's sludgy doom, pop elements, heavy rock and metal. Sounds like a very similar description to what you would describe Mastodon, yet Torche are different. Having not heard their previous work, I can't really say if they've changed or not. But upon first listen to this new album, I've been won over, purely based on 'Harmonicraft' alone. Some people call Torche 'stoner rock' and I can see why, but you don't have to be a stoner to enjoy how good this album is. It truly is a refreshing sound and something you can listen to at any time of the day. The songs on here are short and straight to the point which makes the album tend to fly by. But because it's a relatively short album, the catchiness and the memorable songs will have you pressing 'Play' again. Torche have that sort of sound that can appeal to a wide range of music fans, whether it be a Metal-Head or your everyday radio listener. Before last week I had never heard of this band, and now after hearing this release I think a lot of people won't be in the dark about Torche.

When I first saw the album cover I did not expect such good music to eventuate from it, but it did and now I've found a new band to enjoy when I'm not listening to some of the more heavier ones. Do yourself a favour and give Torche a go and see for yourself. At the end of the day who cares about genres? I don't think this band do. They've just gone and made a great album for whoever wants to listen.

Standout tracks: Kicking, Roaming, Snakes Are Charmed.

8/10