If there’s one band you should keep on your radar, it’s Too Close To Touch. With their sounds influenced by bands such as Pierce The Veil and Sleeping With Sirens, the Kentucky band are leading the way already with their diverse alternative rock sound. Since the debut of Nerve Endings, they have received such praise among fans and critics that it’s safe to say the band know how to make first impressions last. It all comes down to consistency and passion, and Too Close to Touch has both.
Impeccable in its introduction, “Someday” flares into style with Keaton Pierce‘s amazing vocals. The chemistry between the drums and the guitars provides a perfect momentum of structure and self-paced rhythm. Pulling across many sound dynamics of post-hardcore and alternative rock, it feels like I’m listening to dimensions of a 30 Seconds To Mars record, only darker and fiercer. The chanting chorus with Keaton belting out, “Someday, I will be something”, transcends the theme of standing your ground, making everyone else sorry for ever underestimating you.
“Pretty Little Thing” feels emotive and expressive, painting a picture for the uncontrollable infatuation you have for someone who’s bad for you. This track is an amalgam of love and lust with its descriptive lyrics with each cohesive guitar and drum note. Their music is wholesome and honest, providing such relatable material which people can easily find comfort to.
It’s admirable to see the jump between experimentation and consistency in this album, with collaborations from Kellin Quinn (of Sleeping With Sirens) and Telle Smith (of The Word Alive). We see a soft-spoken and gentle side to the band in “The Chase” with Kellin, sharing a balanced atmosphere to the tone of the song.
Kellin’s high-tenor voice range adds a sense of clarity, while Keaton’s vocals convey such talent in attempting to hit notes way beyond what we expect. In “Hell To Pay”, it’s aggressive and dark with a constant balance between clean and unclean vocals. Telle Smith’s vocals triumphantly adds a hint of action-packed vibes in this number, adding minimal yet effective breakdowns. There’s a sense of ambience in the intricate lyrics adding a meaningful touch to the record.
The stellar drum work in “The Air In Me”, is incredible, showcasing a non-stop tempo at the start. Hearing this track – it’s like you’re soaring above the sky, with vocals and instruments adding such an atmospheric flair to the band’s musicianship.
Ending the record, “Until I Collapse” seals the deal through its exceptional nature. It’s unbelievable to think that a band new to the scene could sound this good. Grounded in its instrumentation, it maintains both consistency and chemistry between the drums and guitars. Suffice it to say, uttering the word ‘boring’ would be complete nonsense.
I could praise and praise this album and even that wouldn’t be enough. Too Close To Touch are passionate and show stellar musicianship and for that, I show nothing but respect for them.
Review Score: 9.0 out of 10
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Nerve Endings is available to purchase for digital download on iTunes. You can also stream the whole record in full on Spotify.
For band updates, give their Facebook page a thumbs up!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tooclosetotouch
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