Let’s just get this out the way right now – I can’t remember the last time a four song EP impressed me as much as Carry The Torch’s Dead Weather. Wait, yeah I can. It was circa 1999, when I heard Shai Hulud’s A Profound Hatred of Man for the first time. Like Hatred, Dead Weather packs more emotional punch, more energy, and more strength into 4 tracks than some bands manage to muster in a career, let alone one album.
Carry the Torch’s sound can best me described as “melodic hardcore,” something along the lines of the aforementioned Shai Hulud, old Hopesfall, Poison the Well – bands like that. Melodic leads over chug-chug rhythms with lyrics that are empowering and personal, the sort that make you want to hug your brothers and raise a fist for the sing-a-long.
The clarity of Brian North’s vocals is refreshing. Not only are his lyrics great but being able to hear his words and not have to spend repeated listens deciphering their meaning is a welcome change from most hardcore bands today which have vocalists who would rather squeal like pigs than write an intelligent word.
“For All I Care It Can Burn” is the album's standout track, an anthem if ever there was one. From the “end transmission / walk away” gang vocals to the uber-melodic breakdown and face-melting climax that follows, it is one of my favorite tracks right now.
The only criticism of Dead Weather is obvious – it’s length. The sound quality could be a little better too, but what are you going to do? This band is ballin' on a budget, baby! Without a doubt, Dead Weather is stunning, as a good a debut as hardcore music has seen in years.
mp3: "For All I Care it Can Burn"
myspace: www.myspace.com/carrythetorchmusic
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