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
Sundown
Torche Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Focus on
Flawed, it's scrambled
Grieve alone
Thinking you're so original
I suppose
Read over amazing
I suppose
Treat yourself
The amusement brought
Over my behavior
It fell apart
Thinking you're so original
I suppose
Read over amazing
Half-assed upload
I suppose
The song "Sundown" by Torche is a powerful reflection on the human experience of loneliness, alienation, and the way we communicate in the digital age. The repeated refrain "Thinking you're so original, I suppose" highlights the sense of disconnection and disenchantment that comes from feeling like one's thoughts and ideas are not valued or understood by others. The lyrics suggest a sense of bitterness or resentment towards those who do not appreciate the singer's originality or attempt to connect with them on a deeper level.
The line "Hey antennae, focus on" seems to be directed towards someone who is distracted or not fully present in the moment, perhaps consumed by social media or other forms of digital communication. The use of the word "scrambled" suggests a sense of confusion or disorientation that comes from constantly being bombarded with information and competing demands for attention.
The line "Treat yourself, the amusement brought over my behavior, it fell apart" suggests a feeling of disappointment or frustration with oneself for giving into the temptation to seek validation or attention from others online. The singer seems to be reflecting on the ways in which social media and other forms of digital communication can be both a source of joy and entertainment, but also a source of anxiety and stress.
Overall, "Sundown" is a powerful exploration of the ways in which we connect (or fail to connect) with others in the digital age. It highlights the challenges of navigating our relationships and communication patterns in an era of constant connectivity, and challenges us to consider how we can reclaim a sense of authenticity and meaningful connection in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Antennae
Listen up and pay attention
Focus on
Concentrate and center yourself
Flawed, it's scrambled
Something is imperfect and disorganized
Grieve alone
Deal with your emotions on your own
Thinking you're so original
Believing you are unique or special
I suppose
I imagine or presume
Read over amazing
Reviewed as impressive or awe-inspiring
Half-assed upload
A rushed or incomplete submission
Treat yourself
Give yourself a reward or indulgence
The amusement brought
Enjoyment or entertainment obtained
Over my behavior
Concerning my actions or conduct
It fell apart
Everything unraveled or collapsed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Craig Love, James Hollins, Kawan Prather, Maurice Sinclair, P Smith
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind