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

Loose Men
Torche Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Look out, shade town
Changing my mind
Loving out of self
Protecting, shall we dance
Help decide
A borderline

The best kin

For northern men
Need to die
Right by your side
The best kin
For northern men
Need to die
Right by your side

They went, wild of things
Leaving behind
Best of the range we held
Like classic, some will chase
And it brings us men again

The best kin
For northern men

Need to die
Right by your side

Overall Meaning

The song "Loose Men" by Torche is a reflection on changing one's mindset, and letting go of self-love in order to protect others. The lyrics "Look out, shade town, changing my mind, loving out of self, protecting, shall we dance" suggest that the singer is moving away from their own self-centered mentality and making better choices for the people around them. The line "help decide, a borderline" may reference a struggle to completely let go of selfishness and fully embrace selflessness.

The chorus continues to reinforce the idea of sacrificing one's own desires for the greater good. The repetition of "the best kin for northern men need to die, right by your side" may seem confusing or even harsh at first glance. However, in context, it seems to suggest that the most loyal and trustworthy companions are those who are willing to put others before themselves. The phrase "need to die" may be a metaphor for letting go of old ways of thinking and being reborn with a new mindset.

Line by Line Meaning

Look out, shade town
Be cautious and alert as we enter this shady and potentially dangerous area

Changing my mind
I am reconsidering my previous thoughts or opinions

Loving out of self
Expressing love and care for others, rather than just focusing on oneself

Protecting, shall we dance
Let us enter into a protective dance or ritual to ward off negative energies or threats

Help decide
Assist me in making a decision or coming to a conclusion

A borderline
A limit or boundary that we must be cautious not to cross

The best kin For northern men Need to die Right by your side
The most suitable or compatible people for men from the north must be eliminated, and this should be done together

They went, wild of things Leaving behind Best of the range we held
They ventured into wild and unknown territories, leaving behind the best things we had in our possession

Like classic, some will chase And it brings us men again
Some will always crave and pursue traditional or classic experiences, and this will attract like-minded men to us once again

Contributed by Isaiah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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