Album Review: Touché Amoré/Pianos Become the Teeth - 'Split'

One probably wouldn't be too far off to argue that between Los Angeles post-hardcore outfit Touché Amoré and Baltimore screamo quintet Pianos Become the Teeth, we have two of the more interesting and unique acts in modern hardcore – an argument cemented by their new 7” split record, co-released through Topshelf Records and Deathwish Inc.

Touché Amoré kick things off with 'Gravity, Metaphorically', a track which, at four minutes long, is almost double the length of the longest songs on the band's 2011 full-length 'Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me'. Touché's trademark aggressive, punchy, to-the-point style drives the track but the length allows for a poignant instrumental that builds to an intense close. As far as vocals go, this is one of frontman Jeremy Bolm's finest performances. The band's rhythm section feels as tight as it has ever been, with drummer Elliot Babin delivering a solid mix of steady, strong drumwork and stylistic flair. The expertimentation with dynamics and pace is a move that pays off big time, and the track feels ultimately like a sign of maturity for the generally forward-thinking band.

Pianos Become the Teeth's contribution to the 7" is the five and a half-minute epic 'Hiding'. Taking full advantage of the band's post-rock influence, 'Hiding' opens with a clean guitar section that demonstrates a more melodic, ambient sound to the band most reminiscent of album closer 'I'll Get By' from most recent full-length, 'The Lack Long After'. The track ebbs and flows between quiet ambiance and intensity, showing an impressive understanding of timbre and dynamics. Eschewing the screamed vocals generally considered a hallmark of Pianos' back catalogue, frontman Kyle Durfey opts instead for a more refined, sung style that maintains the same emotive force, if not moreso.

Less than two weeks into 2013, Touché Amoré and Pianos Become the Teeth have confidently delivered - with two tracks and a total length of around nine minutes - a front runner for split of the year. Keeping the best elements of each band's sound while exploring new territory is a move that pays off in both cases. If it's any indication of what's in store for the bands - both about due for a full-length this year - there's a lot to look forward to.

1. Gravity, Metaphorically (Touché Amoré)
2. Hiding (Pianos Become the Teeth)