Torche is a band from Miami, Florida, United States. They play a distinctiv… Read Full Bio ↴Torche is a band from Miami, Florida, United States. They play a distinctive style of stoner/ sludge metal that they categorize as ''stoner pop''.

The group was formed in 2004 by Steve Brooks (ex-Floor), Juan Montoya (ex-Cavity, ex-Ed Matus' Struggle), Jonathan Nuñez and Rick Smith (who also play in the grindcore band Shitstorm). According to MTracks.com: "Their music has a unique, hard-hitting sound that provokes a wide range of emotions, and they have a large fan base throughout the world." They have toured with Mogwai, Isis, Pelican, Black Cobra, Baroness, Jesu, The Sword, Stinking Lizaveta, Harvey Milk and Boris. Steve Brooks, however, has said that they don't consider themselves a metal band. In describing the band's sound, Smith said in an interview: "To me it's mostly a combination of everything we listen to collectively as a band. We take what we like from what we grew up on and use it as creatively as we can. I think the meshing of different sounds comes naturally just because we all have different musical backgrounds yet have a ton of common interests." In terms of touring, Brooks said Torche is getting more of a young crowd.

On April 8, 2008, the band released their second full-length, entitled Meanderthal. It was produced by Kurt Ballou (Converge, Genghis Tron). It was met with critical acclaim, including that from Decibel Magazine who ranked Meanderthal #1 on their list of the Top 40 Extreme Albums of 2008 as well as an 8.2/10 by Pitchfork Media. In an interview, Brooks said the band themselves came up with the album's concept in terms of artwork and packaging. Brooks has also said that in terms of writing material, the band focuses on what they like, rather than worrying about a "backlash" from their fans.

In late 2008 Juan Montoya left the band, a move credited to musical differences. Steve Brooks said "He is an amazing guitarist, but we are just not on the same page... but Torche will still carry on as a 3 piece band".

Torche has fulfilled this statement by embarking on several tours, including one with the band dredg and another with a reunited Harvey Milk.

In 2010 the band started touring with a temporary second guitar player, Max Johnston of the Downhome Southernaires before finding a permanent replacement in Riddle Of Steel and Tilts guitarist and frontman Andrew Elstner. The band is now a 4 piece once again.

Current lineup:

Steve Brooks - guitar, vocals;
Jonathan Nuñez - bass guitar;
Rick Smith - drums;
Andrew Elstner - guitar, vocals.

Former members:

Juan Montoya - guitars.

http://www.torchemusic.com

Fat Waves
Torche Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Make up yourself
It's time to go
No need of your
Indecisions

Hide the man
Whose legend's grown
In vain

And made enough
To beat us down again
I am the one, vengeful
Stand tall
I've found my way out

Lead the way
Along with our control
Aging, the land you never own

Hide the man
Whose legend's grown in vain
And made enough
To beat us down again
I am the one, vengeful

Stand tall
I've found my way out

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Torche's song "Fat Waves" convey a sense of empowerment and defiance against those who try to hold us back. The song begins with the line "Make up yourself, it's time to go," suggesting that it is time to be true to oneself and pursue one's own path. The lyrics also express a rejection of indecision and the need for approval from others.

The next section talks about hiding the man whose legend has grown in vain, implying that there is someone who has falsely elevated themselves and wielded power over others. This person has managed to beat people down repeatedly, but the singer asserts that they are the one who will seek revenge and stand tall. By finding their own way out, they overcome the influence of this individual.

The chorus contains the lines "Lead the way, along with our control, aging, the land you never own." This suggests the desire to take charge and have agency over one's own life. The references to aging and land ownership further emphasize the theme of asserting oneself and finding independence.

Overall, "Fat Waves" is a song about asserting individuality, defying those who try to control us, and finding strength and liberation within ourselves.

Line by Line Meaning

Make up yourself
Embrace your individuality and authenticity

It's time to go
It's time to move forward and leave the past behind

No need of your
There is no need for your doubts or uncertainties

Indecisions
Hesitation or indecisiveness will only hold us back

Hide the man
Conceal the person who has gained undeserved fame or notoriety

Whose legend's grown
Someone whose reputation or myth has become more significant

In vain
Without purpose or reason

And made enough
And has gathered sufficient resources or power

To beat us down again
To oppress or defeat us once more

I am the one, vengeful
I am the individual seeking retribution

Stand tall
Remain strong and resilient