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: They’re not easy, and I like a challenge. Cats are individuals, cuddly, independent and always put a smile on my face. You don’t have to walk a cat, and cleaning a litter box beats picking up a huge, soft, stinking pile of dog shit. I do love dogs, though, just hate the drama and neediness. I speak to both species in some kind of “high cutesy voice” language. I have no idea what I’m saying, but they do.
