Notofu.com: Torche/Boris
Published by: Notofu.com
Date: November 10, 2009
Format: Web (www.notofu.com)
Type: Music Review
Torche, Boris Split Hairs
Chapter Ahead Being Fake begins with “King Beef,” Torche’s contribution to the split EP with Boris. From its onset, the track remains true to its name, being one of the heaviest that Torche has released to date as well as, in my opinion, being the better of the two songs that make up the entire EP. In its first release since guitarist Juan Montoya left the band in 2008, the lead guitar that was present on much of 2008’sMeanderthal isn’t there, but Torche makes up for the absence with driving percussion and growling, low tuned guitars. “King Beef” is actually more similar to “Meanderthal,” the last track on the record of the same name, which may be an indication of where the band is heading.
Boris’ “Luna” is the second and final track on the EP. Clocking in at just over twelve minutes, more than twice the length of Torche’s “King Beef.“ “Luna” is an intricate and layered offering and there’s a lot to like about the track. The chaos of the guitars and drums is off set by the soothing Rhodes piano sounds (possibly played on guitar with effects), something that doesn’t seem like it would work, but does in creating a peaceful mood in the midst of a storm of noise. Boris also displays its control of dynamics in the track when fading almost completely out and convincing the listener that the song might be over near the ten-minute mark, before a full-on sonic stampede to close the song. Overall, the track has interesting points, but some of the vocals are really hard to look past. At times they are slightly off key, making them distracting, especially near the beginning of the song.
Similar to Torche’s “King Beef,” “Luna” serves as a reminder of Boris’ 2008 full-length, Smile, while it also showcases a band that it always changing. Chapter Ahead Being Fake is essentially two bands trying new things, stepping a little bit outside of what they usually do, and for that alone, the EP is a success. Boris has a history of climbing out of whatever box they have been put inside of, not wanting to be typecast into any certain genre. It’s good to see Torche doing the same.
3/5