Touché Amoré – Lament (Album Review)

October 7, 2020 Touché Amoré – Lament (Album Review)

Los Angeles, California’s Touché Amoré are set to return with a new outlook and maturity on Friday, October 9, 2020 with the release of Lament on Epitaph Records.

Briefly looking back, the Post-Hardcore act initially came together back in 2007. Launched by Lead Vocal Jeremy Bolm, Guitarists Neil Steinhardt and Clayton Stevens, Bassist Tyler Kirby, plus Drummer Elliot Babin creating a stomping Punk Hardcore aesthetic, they have only strengthened over the years since their 2009 debut …To The Beat of a Dead Horse. Growing with 2011’s Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me, they soon gained momentum with 2013’s Is Survived By, which crossed into Art Punk territory. Following in suit with 2016’s Stage Four, Touché Amoré are now a household with Lament preparing to take you on a journey of self reflection, and a sound that has been completely honed. 

It all begins with the hardcore mosh pit crusher “Come Heroine.” Highlighted by the electrical jump of Bolm’s vocal, it provokes your willingness to dive straight into the grit of emotion. Instrumentally, it is a roller coaster between heavy punk tempo, drum driven beats, calm subtle waves of simple guitar, and atmospheric resolute. Next, the title-track, contemplates the search of belonging, bringing to light the definition of the album in its entirety.

Moving forward, “Feign” is about comes to grips with mourning by creating self-acceptance among the chaos. A cross between a two step beat and a head-swinging tempo, along with a minor key, the song adjusts to the situation ahead. A head bopper, “Reminders,” is the most recent hit off the album and a wonderful one at that, harking to influences of I Am the Avalanche and Post- Hardcore giants such as At the Drive-In. A fitting easy, sing-along Post-Rock track, it reminds you about love and self-discovery.

Another released single, “Limelight,” reflects on the pains of growing up and the implications of you finding your true self. A dark grimacing bass driven melody comes in waves while echoes of those sore and tired reply in concurring truth. This is followed by soaring, calm vocals featured by Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull. Then “Exit Row” takes a sharp turn in rhythm, gaining a sense of momentum and urgency. Short but sweet, it is Punk filled roar with punch. 

Which leads us to “Savoring,” where there seems to be some resolve. Featuring double bass drum rhythms, it showcases the complexity of Elliot Babin’s vast skills. This is while “A Broadcast,” slows everything down with trancing sliding guitars, the single “ I’ll Be Your Host” is a metaphorical piece about giving up one’s former self to shelter others, and “Deflector” takes on owning up to the emptiness inside. Finally, “A Forecast” is a follow up to the aforementioned “The Broadcast” and is fitting closing that is a culmination of all your feelings, finding a maturity and reflecting on the despair of loneliness. 

Touché Amoré have certainly made their mark on the Post-Hardcore scene. With Lament they reflect on their past to create a better future. The sparkles of hope, bursts of anger, and overall longing feeling provides shades of hope for better times as well as resolution. The overall lesson to take away from this album is to find the things that remind you of love and to hold onto them… especially in times like these. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Touché Amorés Lament 3.5 out of 5 stars.

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