Smith cites the band’s 2008 tour with Japanese drone-experimentalists Boris in support of Meanderthal as somewhat of a launching pad for the band. “I think after that tour is when people really began to take notice of Torche, especially as a live band,” Smith says. “I think that’s the most touring I’ve done in a single year, easily.” Smith estimates that Torche was out for over 150 days in 2008. “I remember being gone pretty consistently for about half of 2008,” he remembers. “We did two tours in Europe, three or four US tours, and a tour in Japan. We’re usually received pretty well overseas, and they take really good care of us in Europe,” Smith says. “We play to roughly the same size crowds in Europe as we do in the US, but the Europeans are really on top of their shit, in terms of hospitality,” he says. “In the States, we’re lucky to get some beer, water and towels, whereas in Europe they have dinner set up for you, and generally have hotels or some other form of lodging taken care of for you.”

Eventually, our discussion circles around to Torche’s latest full-length release, Harmonicraft. “I couldn’t be happier about the record,” Smith says. “I mean, I love having a new record out, usually, and this one is especially awesome.” When the topic of reviews is broached, Smith has a very honest and engaging opinion: “Most of the reception we’ve been getting has been positive, but even the negative reviews have their place. Not everyone is supposed to like your band,” he says. Musicians, take note, as truer words were never spoken. “I just think it’s cool having so many people talk about the record,” he continues. “We touch so many different influences on this record that every single review highlights different tracks as the standouts.” Smith relishes the fact that Torche relies on classic rock hooks, albeit written and performed on a somewhat heavier level. He doesn’t like the band being referred to as any sort of “pop” band, and he hopes that the band can continue to produce music of this sort. “As of right now, I don’t see us running out of steam or running out of ideas any time soon,” he says. “As a matter of fact, I feel like we’re just kind of hitting our stride, and I think that we’re going to be able to continue to mature and evolve as a band for the foreseeable future.” Summarizing, Smith simply hopes that the band will be able to enjoy the longevity and productivity that the bands who have influenced Torche, such as the Melvins, have experienced.

Torche deserves your attention. They are thoroughly dedicated to what they do, and what they do is knock people on their asses with extremely catchy, loud and energetic music. Check them out with the legendary Corrosion of Conformity at the Urban Lounge on Friday, June 15.