The Torches: The Torches EP

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The Torches from Washington, D.C. have cobbled together an EP that showcases their off-kilter roots and grimy driving acoustic rock.  The group tackles tunes in the vein of O’Death or a toned down Americana version of Gogol Bordello, but the obvious patron saint prayed to on the self titled EP is Tom Waits.    

“Mister Vampire” could be a Waits outtake with howling vocals and thudding kick drum.  Throughout the EP an ominous cloud hangs over things in tone and lyrics.  An example would be the banjo laced “Daughter Leg” which coldly ends with the ear catching stark lyric, “Lying awake for the sound of my heartbeat/Change position from the fetus to the corpse”.  “The Coming Rain” continues is this mold but tosses a full out acoustic rave up in the middle. 

The production leaves something to be desired as the musicians all bleed into each other making it hard to figure out if there are 4 or 40 people playing; who knows what instrument is being added to the roots soup on certain tracks.  The EP closer though “Artax (Broke Down Busted)” is a fun simple romp that leaves you smiling and wanting more from The Torches.    

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