Andrew Elstner, Torche singer and guitarist, was once treated for rabies after a bat pissed in his eye. That’s quite metal, isn’t it? Oddly enough though, Elstner doesn’t impress as a particularly ‘metal’ dude. He smiles a lot, including onstage, and talks about concepts like gratitude. He’s a paradox, which is fitting really, because so are Torche.
While the band is slung broadly in the metal basket (sludge or stoner metal, more specifically), it’s kind of a misnomer. Undoubtedly, Torche are on the heavy end of the spectrum but their songs are also anthemic and melodic – and quite frankly, they just don’t sound that dark. Comparisons with Ned’s Atomic Dustbin wouldn’t be out of the question and one of the tracks on their yet-to-be-released new album apparently has tinges of The Psychedelic Furs. This is not to suggest they’re soft, though. Quite the contrary – they fucking thunder.
Part of the reason Elstner’s so damn happy is that he was a self-confessed fan when he joined the band. Already slinging guitar for Tilts and Riddle Of Steel (the latter of which has now folded), a Torche lineup shuffle left an opening for him and he stepped up to the plate. “It’s been amazing,” Elstner says. “It’s not quite the same as the first show I played with them, but those feelings are still there for sure … It’s really hard to be up there with them without having a huge smile on my face. I look kind of goofball, being this metal guy smiling away, but I’m having an amazing time.”
Another reason he’s a happy dude comes down to gratitude and fellowship. “Fellowship keeps things in perspective,” he muses. “It makes it all worthwhile. When you’re touring and playing in band, you know, there’s that joke about having four wives or four husbands as the case may be. It’s a joke, but it’s kind of true – these are relationships that you have to have.
“As for gratitude, well it keeps you straight. It’s always good to remember where you’ve come from. I mean, Torche is popular, but we’re still not a band that’s on easy street. However, when I compare it to my old band, well, we were taking $80 on average at the door, so Torche is a considerable step up. I’m not just talking in terms of monetary success, either. I’m grateful to be in a band that works – it’s totally humbling.”
Elstner’s favourite tool for life on the road is a blog post by Thor Harris called ‘How To Tour In a Band Or Whatever’. He recommends that everyone in a band should read it – but really, with suggestions like, “Don’t complain. Bitching, moaning, whining is tour cancer. If something is wrong fix it or shut the fuck up you fucking dick,” it’s a pretty good guide for life as well.
“Absolutely it is,” Elstner agrees. “My favourite’s the, ‘You think you’re immune from having a shitty day?’ one. That’s a brave statement – it’s a bit of a slap in the face because musicians are notoriously sensitive artistes who all need a dose of reality from time to time.”
Elstner and the band are looking forward to hitting Australia for the first time. “Oh yeah, I’m going to do all the clichОd things – see a koala, all of that,” he laughs. “There’s so much that I don’t know. Stereotypically, Americans can be somewhat geographically challenged, so I’m ready to have my mind blown by whatever comes. Actually, I’m looking forward to going to the grocery store and seeing what strange food there is – it’s those tiny little details that are always fun and make a new experience great.”
Catch Torche alongside Lo! and Sumeru atOxford Art Factory onSunday October 19, tickets online.
