Band:	Torche
Album:	Restarter
Style:	Sludge metal, Stoner metal
Release date:	February 24, 2015
A review by:	BitterCOld

01. Annihilation Affair
02. Bishop In Arms
03. Minions
04. Loose Men
05. Undone
06. Blasted
07. No Servants
08. Believe It
09. Barrier Hammer
10. Restarter
11. Harmonslaught [bonus]
12. Rock 'N' Roll Mantasy [bonus]

I'd really like to share a cup of coffee with the lads from Torche. Actually, I'd really like to share a coffee plantation with them. Yes, an entire plantation.

With Restarter, the band have, uh, restartered, following 2012's gaily covered Harmonicraft.

And, sadly, that's what's missing from Restarter. Gaiety. And the energy buzz you can only get from consuming acres of java.

Their latest is a good release, don't get me wrong. They construct some good songs, have some cool riffs and everything sounds good. It sounds like a continuation of their last release, the (for them) long songs are refined and better than those on their predecessor. But there are none of the madcap, bounce-off-the-walls tracks like "[url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSNgHtA3iKs]Walk It Off[/url]" or "Hideaway" that never fail to put a smile on your face and an extra spring in your step.

Sure, "Loose Men" hits third gear, but the vast majority of the album feels like it's stuck in first or second. Like I said, good songs, good riffs, but Restarter could definitely benefit from a shot in the arm. I don't mind them exploring mid-paced jams, but a Torche album without a "Speed Of The Nail" or "Kiss Me Dudely" is like a Ramones album without a "Judy Is A Punk." The album feels like renting a Porsche 911 Turbo for the weekend, then just slogging it out in city traffic, rather than letting loose, hitting the autobahn and opening it the fuck up.

It just seems to be lacking in some of the fun.

And in a genre where most bands are serious business, that's what makes Torche so magical.