Touché Amoré/Pianos Become the Teeth
Hiding
Topshelf Records/Deathwish Inc. (2013)
Score: 9/10
California’s Touché Amoré, finding time to record amidst a heavy touring schedule, begin the 2-song split with “Gravity, Metaphorically.” Dark and powerful, it starts where the band had left off. If you’ve been a fan of Touché prior to this, you know what to expect; guttural yells, unyielding percussion, a quick tempo, and somber, introspective lyrics. The pace shifts from frantic at the outset to heavier near the end after a slow, spacey break in the action, resulting in a forceful song about acceptance. “At least I tried, then my highest hopes were realized then it flat-lined. At least I tried, and I woke up scared but it’s alright ’cause nothing changed,” yells vocalist Jeremy Bolm over the ascending bridge. A four minute Touché song is definitely a great way to lead off a split record.
But of the two heavy-hitting bands, its Pianos Become the Teeth’s half of the split that shines the brightest. “Hiding” holds to the band’s M.O. (longer songs, discernible yells instead of screams, great lyrics, a definite angst and longing in tone, etc.) and grabbed my attention immediately with the distant, brooding guitar twangs. The intensity grows through rolling percussion and crooning vocals, building up to one of my favorite Pianos lyrics to date, “But you can’t stay angry forever, or so I’m told.” PBTT have always had a knack for poignant lyrics, which further enhance the serious tone with which the instruments are played; it feels like the riffs, the words and everything in between are heavy hearted.
The honesty and unyielding ferocity of these bands set them apart from your run-of-the-mill hardcore/post-hardcore outfits. This split felt like a tease from Touché and Pianos, leaving me to anticipate whatever projects they decide to take on in the future. And with their relentless work ethics, it’s only a matter of time before we have new material to eat up.
-Felipe Garcia
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