Kentucky alt-rockers Too Close To Touch recorded Haven’t Been Myself (the follow up to 2015’s Nerve Endings) with producer Erik Ron who has masteminded albums by Isues and Set It Off. The band recently won the Best Underground Band at the Alternative Press APMAS and on the basis of this record, it is easy to see why.
The second the vocals start on opening track Sympathy, I am in love. Such a soft, smooth voice from frontman Keaton Pierce. As the intensity builds, the vocals become slightly harsher and the drums and guitars kick in more. A very strong and atmospheric track to open with. Crooked Smile opens with a heavier beat that is prominent throughout. Keaton says of the record “I was in a really dark place and wanted to make [the album] as cathartic as possible. This album was a pretty tough one to write, but we all gave it everything we have and didn’t hold back. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” and in just the first two tracks, the emotion is very strongly evidenced. What I Wish I Could Forget has the makings on an arena ready anthem, talking of heartbreak and moving on. Translate will go down well live, very easy to pick up on the lyrics.
The Art of Eye Contact begins with some rain sound effects and while the title sounds like the title of a flirting handbook, the track itself has a more of an R&B love song feel to it, taking me back to my old school Ne-Yo and Usher loving days. A strong and briliant track but not something I expected at the beginning of the record. The haunting feel and lyrics of Inside Voices actually gives me goosebumps and is one of my favourite tracks on this record.
Overall, this album is near perfect! A very strong and emotive record with smooth vocals. The lyrics are intensely personal, adding to the emotion. All the tracks are well written and put together.