Torches, a three-piece rock outfit comprised of Azad Cheikosman, bassist Bidgette Moody and Eric Fabbro, want to aim high. And good for them. It takes a special brand of excellence to capture the sweeping, sonic landscapes and ringing guitars of eighties stalwarts like U2 and the Alarm, albeit without the sheer pomposity. Heads Full of Rust balances beguiling, crisp guitar pop arrangements with a gloomy undercurrent, but it does so in a way that’s always tuneful. Ambience is also a big part component of their sound, which soaks most of their tingling strums and crescendoing choruses. Its more restrained moments are especially mesmerizing, like in "Dirt & Tears", in which a loungy, jangly melody is seeded with thick, droning effects and colorfully layered tones. Moreover, there’s no need to cherry pick the ripe ones, as it’s the kind of record that works all the way through. Make sure to catch Torches at Bootleg Bar on June 22nd. – Juan Edgardo Rodríguez (@juanerodriguez)
