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
Mentor
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burn your lips with my sweet transfusion.
I will be your mentor.
With lights out reveals what little piggy does.
Stripped its release, red from a leather glove.
I will be your mentor.
You're ready to begin (x2)
Mentor.
The lyrics of Torche's song "Mentor" delve into the realm of power dynamics and submission. The song's opening line, "This little piggy runs on electrocution," serves as a metaphor for the manipulation and control that one person can exert over another. The singer then offers their "sweet transfusion" as a means of drawing the other person in and gaining their trust. The chorus proclaims that the singer will act as a guide, or "mentor," through this process of domination and revealing the inner workings of the other person. The final repetition of "You're ready to begin" implies that the other person has been fully initiated into this power dynamic.
The second verse continues the theme of power play, with the singer describing how they have "stripped" the other person of their release, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. The reference to the "red from a leather glove" adds a physical element of domination to the lyrics. Again, the chorus reinforces the idea that the singer has taken on the role of mentor and guide in this dynamic, with the repetition of the song's title.
Line by Line Meaning
This little piggy runs on electricution.
I am powered by electricity, like a little pig running on a treadmill.
Burn your lips with my sweet transfusion.
My power can be addictive, like a sweet drink that burns your lips when you consume too much.
I will be your mentor.
I will guide and teach you, as a mentor does.
With lights out reveals what little piggy does.
In the darkness, my true nature is revealed and you can see what I am capable of doing.
Stripped its release, red from a leather glove.
When I am unleashed, it can be violent and dangerous, leaving behind the mark of its impact like the red stain from a leather glove.
You're ready to begin (x2)
You are prepared to embark on a new journey, ready to learn and grow with me.
Mentor.
This song is about mentoring and guiding someone through a potentially dangerous and addictive situation, while also acknowledging the power and danger inherent in the situation.
Contributed by Owen E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.