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Torche - Meanderthal

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 April 9 2008 at 12:17:11 AM




I guess I had more hope for this album or was I maybe expecting more? I was (and currently am) hooked like phonics to the debut LP and subsequent 10", In Return. The love affair for both was not instantaneous however. I wasn't too keen on either release when I first spun them. Both took time to digest and truly appreciate. You see, I am notorious (in my own egocentric world that is) for buying and listening later. Most new purchases get filed away with or without a preview before the item in question goes into hibernation mode, ie- storage. However, if a recent purchase is graced with a short preview spin and the album slaps me one, it'll hit storage later. The items that are stored quickly are resurrected when I finally have the time (which can take upwards of 6-8 months!) to really listen and soak in the music. Such was the case with the debut album. My initial reaction to hearing it for the first time was, 'whatever.' Months later after spinning it for a second time, something clicked and I was floored. In Return too, took time to appreciate. So what the fuck is my point?

The point is, I have listened to this album well over a dozen times by now and I can say that I was less than impressed the during the first 10+ rotations a week ago. However, listening to the album a few more times while writing this review has renewed my interest in it... just a little bit. Maybe I shouldn't listen to it for the next few months and approach it with a fresh mind, but for right now, I'm sticking with being a bit let down.

Sure enough there are more than a few songs who's hooks have been infectious but I have a problem with this album. However, if anyone were to ask what that problem is, I would not be able to supply a concrete answer. While the debut and 10" had 'odd' if not interesting harmonies, Meanderthal does as well, but it just ain't sittin' right. I find them to be somewhat obnoxious verging on annoying... almost contrived. The following statement may cause heads to explode, but fuck it: I think this album has a bigger 'pop' element than those of the past. Of the three releases thus far, I can honestly say (um, think rather) that I can see this album appealing to a larger audience (could it be they saved their more syrupy material for HH?). Some of the riffs and arrangements remind me of something that possibly QoTSA would write. I've even read a two line review on a forum I frequent saying this album, 'is like a stoner-rock Foo Fighters.' Yikes! While I don't hear a complete similarity and don't think I'd go that far in saying that, it does re-enforce (albeit weak) my 'pop' opinion.

All in all I like the album but I feel it to be very timid with only a few stand-out tracks where as I felt the debut (the re-master more so) and 10" to be steamrollers from start to finish. Who knows... maybe in three/six/nine/etc. weeks this will knock me the fuck out, but currently I'm too hooked on AC/DC's Flick of the Switch to try and convince myself otherwise.

Bottom line... the album is good with the occasional hook here and there but I don't see it making any non-believers converts.

[chrisALPINO]
Torche
Meanderthal
2008
Hydra Head Records
http://www.hydrahead.com
type: reviews    keywords: heavy metal, rock, lhp013,   

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