Welcome to the first fall of the 2020s, “I’ll Be Your Host”. It’s time to revel in the hype, Touché Amoré is coming back with Lament. The legendary post-hardcore outfit is coming off a strong 2019, where they released Dead Horse X, a remastered version of their first album.
Now, following up the video for “Limelight” comes their release “I’ll Be Your Host”, which is is somewhere between the punch of their earlier albums and the emotional fullness of Studio Four. “Limelight” stands out as a mellow hardcore track, fully reaching an emo stride yet free from the lethargy or melodrama which can haunt the genre. Instead frontman Jermey Bolm sells the atmosphere, making truly modern poetry. Every year I get older I’m prouder of the time I’ve spent with his work.
Although flirting with the lyrics less than “Limelight,” the video for “I’ll Be Your Host” remains striking. Featuring what seems to be the process of taxidermied bugs along with wires, DNA, and unraveling curves, the video encapsulates the cycle. Inescapable processes eventually lead to spinning Jermey out on his own, spitting lines with a raw mic over minimum instrumentation. The general progression of the piece is spot-on.
As far as for “I’ll Be Your Host” goes, I’m left utterly anticipating Lament. A bleak a year as 2020 is the perfect time for Touché Amoré to return with an album. Considering their last new release, Studio Four, was a 2016 release, this is a band to get through the rough times with.
While Studio Four focused on losing a parent to cancer, Lament promises to follow-up with as thoughtful an album. Pre-order Lament here. After losing a parent to cancer and continually returning to Touché Amoré discography, I can say they’ve been the best brand to get old with. In a genre famous for being emotionally stunted, Jeremey Bolm is the man to bring it forward. His lyrics are the cry of a man always getting better.
