Touche Amore-Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me
Some bands make music for fiscal gain, some bands make music to become famous, while others make music because they simply need to get it out; a pure catharsis. The latter statement applies to Touche Amore with their poetic sophomore album "Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me", a record that manages to powerfully embody an emotionally draining aural journey while remaining vital and rewarding and clocking in at just over twenty minutes.
One of the most striking aspects of the record is the passion in frontman Jeremy Bolm's lyrics and vocal delivery, frontrunner for one the greatest lyricists of this generation, you feel every shade of emotion that he goes through as the record takes its course, from the anger and frustration of 'Pathfinder' to the all-out melancholy of 'Condolences', and most importantly you believe all his convictions and sorrows. Lines such as 'I'll be the ringing in your ears that'll stick around for years' and 'It's just I have this problem where I want to be everywhere I'm not' hit straight to the gut in their startling honesty. It's all undeniably and brutally human. This connects with a furious but extremely versatile post-hardcore musical template to make the album sound potent and vital while flowing beautifully. Guitarists Clayton Stevens and Nick Steinhardt create lead guitar lines that hold a true grace and majesty, used to devastating effect on opening track 'Tilde', while also crushing faithfully to their post-hardcore roots on the likes of 'Method Act' or the tough but true tales from the road of 'The Great Repetition'.
The album twists and turns with the reflective and deeply atmospheric intro of 'Face Ghost' alongside the stripped-down vocals and piano of the heartbreaking 'Condolences'. As a result it comes together like an expression of art; it's something that simply cannot be faked. It's as if the band are wrestling with their demons throughout the thirteen tracks that comprise the album in a desperate and impassioned attempt to carry on, bearing all scars for the world to see.
This is an incredible album that goes far and beyond the borders of hardcore music to step out as something wholly unique and exciting. A classic in waiting, no doubt about it.