Touché Amoré’s new record Spiral in a Straight Line, out today via Rise Records, lands as the next chapter in the band’s evolution.
With Lament from 2020 still fresh in mind, the LA post-hardcore group returns to their roots, but with a sharper, more intentional edge. Produced by Ross Robinson once again, the album sees the band exploring familiar themes of grief, change, and resilience, with a touch of melody and raw emotion that has become their signature.
Earlier this week, the band kicked off their North American tour with a hometown show in LA at The Regent and screened a short film documentary on the making of their new album directed by Sean Stout.
With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, the visual highlights Touché’s appreciation for different mediums of storytelling, while also providing context to the album’s core themes of lingering pain, memories, and resilience. Each member of the band principal lyricist Jeremy Bolm, guitarists Nick Steinhardt and Clayton Stevens, bassist Tyler Kirby, and drummer Elliot Babin provides insights on their unique experiences making the record and the significance of “Spiral In A Straight Line”.
Just this week, Touché Amoré launched their 2024 headlining tour with support from Soul Glo, Portrayal of Guilt and Soft Blue Shimmer.
Back to the new album, right off the bat, “Nobody’s” sets the tone with fast, distorted guitars and Jeremy Bolm’s unmistakable growl, diving into the existential uncertainty that runs through the whole album.
Bolm’s lyrics hit hard, “Is it enough to call it off and lick our wounds?” It’s that tension between holding on and letting go that makes this record feel alive. From the get-go, you know Touché Amoré hasn’t lost their edge—they’ve just honed it.
The album feels like an emotional purge. Tracks like “Hal Ashby” capture that internal struggle, where Bolm sings about recalibration, trying to fix what’s broken.
It’s a slow burn, building tension before hitting you with a payoff that’s both cathartic and raw.
Then you’ve got “Force of Habit,” a quieter, more reflective track, where the juxtaposition of soft instrumentals and Bolm’s fierce delivery brings a deep emotional punch. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you long after it’s over.
“Subversion (Brand New Love)” is where the album takes a turn. Featuring Lou Barlow from DINOSAUR JR., the track pulls you into a slower, moodier space.
The collaboration brings a fresh layer of vulnerability, with overlapping vocals creating a haunting atmosphere. This is one of those moments where the band’s willingness to take risks really pays off, offering something different but completely on-brand.
But it’s “Goodbye For Now” that truly hits the hardest. Featuring Julien Baker, this closing track has Bolm and Baker trading lines, their voices intertwining in a way that’s as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
There’s a sense of finality, yet also a quiet promise to return. “I’ll try to come around,” Bolm declares, leaving you with a glimpse of light amidst all the emotional weight.
Like any record, Spiral in a Straight Line has its highs and a few quieter moments.
Tracks like “Altitude” and “Finalist” don’t quite hit as hard as the rest, blending into the background on repeated listens.
They’re solid tracks, but compared to the emotional depth of songs like “Mezzanine” or the collaborative power of “The Glue,” they don’t leave as lasting an impression.
Still, even with these slight dips, Touché Amoré delivers a record that feels cohesive, urgent, and emotionally honest. The production is tight, the melodies are lush, and Bolm’s lyrics are as gut-wrenching as ever. The balance between aggression and melody is handled with care, and the record flows seamlessly in its 32-minute runtime.
At its core, Spiral in a Straight Line is an album about moving forward, even when you’re not entirely sure how. It’s a transitional record, but one that doesn’t shy away from its emotions.
From the fast-paced intensity of “Disasters” to the intimate moments of “This Routine,” the album strikes a balance between heaviness and vulnerability that Touché Amoré has perfected over the years.
The band is gearing up for a European tour in early 2025, and if this album is any indication, they’ll be bringing their emotional whirlwind to the stage with full force.
