Torche

Though the influence of doom and sludge cannot be denied, Torche's sophomore release and Hydra Head debut Meanderthal is a natural departure from their stoner metal origin into their equally inclined indie rock side. The result is more upbeat -- and only slightly less metallic -- thunderous rock riffage with catchy chords and at times monolithic leads. Produced by Converge's Kurt Ballou, buoyant tracks "Grenades" and "Fat Waves" fit nicely alongside familiarly sonorous tracks like "Sandstorm" and "Piranha."