Torche returns with Restarter

Torche, the Florida/Georgia-based band the Village Voice dubbed “the legitimate sons of a union between Hüsker Dü and the Melvins,” release their Relapse Records’ debut, Restarter, on Feb. 24.

In an in-studio piece with Rolling Stone, bass player Jonathan Nuñez said the quartet began working on the 10-song album in November of 2013 and finished recording in the spring of this year. Nuñez told the magazine “The music is like what we do: very driving, very heavy on the toms, real pounding rhythm section, the guitars are just nonstop, but with a melodic twist. Then the vocals come in and it’s this whole Psychedelic Furs – and maybe Guided By Voices – phrasing.”

“Moving forward, leaning backwards, twisting sideways and loving every new release,” said singer/guitar player Steve Brooks.  “Restarter is moody and still very much a Torche record.”

The cover art for Restarter was done by Santos (Kylesa, High On Fire).

Torche’s most recent release, 2012’s Harmonicraft, was hailed as “a true game-changer” by the BBC while CMJ said it “isn’t just the best Torche release: It’s a contender for one of the best loud rock releases of the year.”  The band’s 2008 release, Meandrathal, was Decibel Magazine’s album of the year and Pitchfork dubbed the band “fine purveyors of metallic sludge.”

Having recently wrapped up a trek to Australia and New Zealand, Torche launch a new round of U.S. dates on Dec. 27 as they join Clutch and Lionize for a brief outing.  The band has also announced a Spring 2015 European outing.

Tour dates
December 27     Cincinnati, OH     Bogart’s
December 28     Cleveland, OH     House of Blues
December 29     Sayreville, NJ     Starland Ballroom
December 30     Philadelphia, PA     Electric Factory
December 31     Washington, DC     9:30 Club
January 3     Atlanta, GA     Center Stage
January 4     Lake Buena Vista, FL     House of Blues
January 6     New Orleans, LA     House of Blues
January 7     Houston, TX     House of Blues
January 8     Dallas, TX     House of Blues
January 9     Tulsa, OK     Cain’s Ballroom
January 10     Austin, TX     Emo’s

May 22     London, UK     Underworld
May 23     Leeds, UK     Belgrave Social Club
May 24     Galway, IR     Roisin Dubh
May 25     Cork, IR     Craine Lane
May 26     Dublin, IR     Grand Social
May 27     Belfast, IR     The Limelight
May 28     Glasgow, UK     CCA
May 29     Manchester, UK     Sound Control
May 30     Bristol, UK     Temples Festival
May 31     Nimes, FR     This is Not a Love Song
June 1     Nantes, FR     Le Ferrailleur