EP REVIEW: Sail – Torus
Some musical minds just need to be creative. There is just a longing desire inside to create something tenable and to leave a lasting mark on the musical landscape. One such mind is that of vocalist/guitarist Alfie Glass, leading to the creation of TORUS. Fortunately for him he has found his musical counterpart in the form of Harry Quinn, and through their love of massive riffs and and infectious melodies the band grew to be something truly impressive, recruiting new drummer Jack Orr in the process. With a handful of singles under their belts the boys have already picked up some steam, and now with their first extended play Sail they are looking to get the attention they deserve.
The eponymous opener starts in the exact way that the EP carries on. Booming drums give way to distorted guitars and Glass‘ raspy voice. His 90s alternative rock influences are on full display here as he croons the vocals over the top of the natural harmonics coming from the six string. The chorus is catchy as hell and the direct approach of the song does exactly what it should, enticing the listener to chill out and enjoy some straight up rock. Throw in a Billy Corgan-inspired lead tone over the top for the solo and slap a bow on it. Job done.
Did It Again has one of the finest guitar tones you are likely to hear this year with all the fuzz and overdrive you would’ve expected from the desert scene in the late 90s. The vocals are packed full of hooks and the shifting pitches and dynamics sound reminiscent of Songs For The Death era Josh Homme, which can never be a bad thing. Clone ironically is nothing like its predecessors, slowing up the tempo and capturing a sense of longing through the emotive singing and overlapping vocals in the chorus. This is a real highlight for the record and shows the kind of musical ground that the band are prepared to cover over the four tracks of this EP. There really is something for everyone here, with the sorrow pouring through this track sounding as if it could have come from the mind of Jerry Cantrell and the late, great Layne Staley in their respective primes.
Fourth track Hurt You is the perfect closer to this short story of a release. The sludge guitar tones are contrasted perfectly by the harmonised vocals and sickly-sweet melodies. The band are firing on all cylinders at this point and have got the mix perfectly between raw power and pop sensibilities, with the ominous bridge section leading into a fuzz-driven crescendo that you can’t help but headbang to – a sure-fire way to leave the audience ravenous for more.
Sail is a superb starting point for a band with unlimited potential. It’s a special skill to take so many beloved acts and influences, throw them into a melting pot and create your own sound. Plenty have tried before and have been discarded and written off as cheap knock-offs of those that they are trying to pay homage to. TORUS have a very bright future ahead of them and after hearing this we’re sure there will be plenty of people eagerly awaiting their first full-length outing.
Rating: 8/10
Sail is set for release on July 22nd via MNRK UK.
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