Back in 2005, when Torche unleashed its debut helping of thunderous doom-pop, guitarist/vocalist Steve Brooks’ former band, Floor, was dead and buried. Never again would Brooks’ former and present groups compete for his time and attention. Well, never say never. Floor dropped Oblation last April. Suddenly, “a few reunion gigs” became a time-consuming reality, with Brooks balancing two bands’ write/record/tour cycles. It’s a juggling act Torche has been at since 2008 when members started moving away from the group’s Miami home base. Restarter, the band’s fourth LP, packs in all the familiar elements, but does so with a looser, more somber tone and sullen mood. The members of Torche will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new feature on them.
Steve Brooks: I’m kind of obsessed with cool-looking backpacks, luggage, totes and duffle bags for some reason. I really don’t know why, but I’ve got a room full of them. So many that I barely used boxes to move. Maybe it’s because I’m a world traveler? I’m always checking out backpacks at the mall. It’s kinda weird.
