TOUCHÉ AMORÉ has just dropped their latest single, “Hal Ashby,” which is the second preview we’ve gotten from their upcoming album, “Spiral in a Straight Line,” set for release on October 11th via Rise Records.
The track pays homage to the iconic American director Hal Ashby, famous for his work during the counterculture movement of the 70s with films like Harold and Maude and Being There. The song’s title and themes reflect the misunderstood characters that Ashby so often portrayed in his movies.
In “Hal Ashby,” frontman Jeremy Bolm dives deep into the concept of misunderstandings, a recurring theme throughout both the song and the upcoming album. Bolm’s vocal performance is intense and raw, pushing the boundaries of emotion as he conveys the struggle of finding clarity in the chaos.
The music video, directed by Sean Stout, complements the track perfectly, offering a surreal visual experience that blends the lines between reality and the dreamlike world of Ashby’s films.
As a follow-up to the album’s first single, “Water Damage,” “Hal Ashby” takes a slightly more aggressive approach, with a heavier sound that may catch some fans off guard. While “Water Damage” initially seemed like a slight departure from Touché Amoré’s signature style, “Hal Ashby” brings back the intensity and emotional depth that fans have come to expect. That said, some might still prefer the more melodic and restrained vibe of the first single, which felt like a more natural fit for the band.
“Hal Ashby” echoes the energy and vibe of Touché Amoré’s earlier work, particularly their 2013 album “Is Survived By,” but with a fresh twist. The chorus, however, sees Bolm experimenting with a more melodic, still harsh, but almost falsetto approach to his vocals—a choice that might not sit well with everyone.
While he balances on the edge of hitting the right notes, it’s this very tension and rawness that gives the song its emotional impact, and it’s exactly what many fans love about Bolm’s style. The song tears at your heart, and maybe that’s the whole point.
With “Spiral in a Straight Line,” Touché Amoré has once again teamed up with producer Ross Robinson, known for his work with heavyweights like KoRn, Slipknot, and Glassjaw. The album also features guest appearances from Julien Baker and Lou Barlow.
