Touché Amoré “Lament” Album Review

Normally in the melodic and post-hardcore world, once a band gets to their fifth album, their sound has either gone stale and lackluster or has expanded in some way with the addition of electronic elements. Touché Amoré, however, have managed to make it through their fifth record without falling into either category. The conventional building blocks of hardcore are all the Californian five-piece needs to sustain their raw yet ever-progressing style, and Lament is a true testament to that longevity.

Lament demonstrates the band’s evolution right from its inception with “Come Heroine”. It has a naturally shifting energy that flows like a ship over crashing waves, rippling through racing double-time and soaring guitars that morph into hazy chords and pulsing beats. Its dynamic direction correlates with the lyrical themes about facing tragedy while also cherishing the support being received by loved ones. Ending with the momentous line, “When I swore I’d seen everything, I saw you”, it fades out and jumps into the distressed title track. For this one, vocalist Jeremy Bolm passionately shouts about the grieving cycle of lamenting, forgetting, and resetting; a pattern every song on the album holds some kind of connection to.

The anthemic “Reminders” is more upbeat and pop punk-like than the typical Touché Amoré song, though patently for the purpose of irony. It’s a chant for the need of reminders to love ourselves, with subtle political commentary that condemns the intentions of appointed people. The driving “Limelight” shares a similar theme, dwelling on both the fragility and strength of love. It fluctuates between a steady uniformity of swaying guitar and basslines, and high-octane pandemonium that wreaks havoc for the thundering outro. As Bolm screams, “So let’s embrace the twilight while burning out the limelight”, he reiterates the importance of treasuring the unconditional love from close friends and family that doesn’t fade when the world turns against you. Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra joins in for this section, adding a tender counterpoint to Bolm’s rasping yells. The jarring layers of heated vigor make for one of Lament’s highest points, and one of Touché Amoré’s most impassioned songs to date.

The band’s last record, Stage Four, was written about Bolm losing his mother to stage four breast cancer. The album resonated with so many people that the sequel song “I’ll Be Your Host” was born, inspired by the countless tragic stories Bolm had heard from fans while on tour as well as on social media. Shuffling beats complement throbbing riffs and fatigued vocals to depict the draining realization that people all over the world are mourning someone (and this was all written in reference to events that took place before the COVID days). “Exit Row” maintains a similarly tense aura that doesn’t diminish for the softer sections. The chorus and phasers in the guitar tones carry on that trembling feeling with the thumping drums bringing an impending punch. The racing “Savoring” has an even more untamed nature, incorporating blast beats over dissonant chords to stimulate the tumultuousness of anxiety.

The glistering “A Broadcast” showcases Touché Amoré broadening their horizons to a new degree. Opening with a twanging guitar that remains constant through the whole song, the radiance of the instrumentals evokes vibrant images of landscapes at daybreak. Alternatively, closing track “A Forecast” opens like the calm before the storm and ends with a downpour of emotions. It begins with a graceful piano intro played by drummer Elliot Babin, as Bolm sings an open letter about his life post-2016. Despite the downhearted lyrics, the delicacy of the piano elicits a feeling of peace, mirroring the song’s message that it’s okay to not be okay and seek help. The song dives into full-band instrumentals for its second half with Bolm passionately screaming, “I’m still out in the rain / I could use a little shelter now and then.”

Regardless of its melancholic title and inclinations, Lament is ultimately a record about seeking sanctuary and security in a world full of hostility. It aims to bring attention to the good of the world, and how our truest blessings remain unchanged through hardship. With this album, Touché Amoré have enhanced their adrenaline-charged zeal to make it more diversified and accessible, yet somehow also more erratic and unpredictable. It takes several bold risks, but each one serves its own purpose that ties back to the cycles of grieving and healing.

Favorite tracks: Come Heroine, Limelight