Untouched and Intact, is a looking glass of stirring narratives, carefully laid acoustic graces and rudimentary indie traces. The first track, “Untouched and Intact,” is a brilliant combination of late-eighties new wave and reserved early-nineties college rock. The soaring vocals of Jarrod Gorbel really give the song some warmth as the 4-to-the-floor percussion and the chugging delayed guitar swells carry on. The chorus is a powerful and catchy blend that will keep many humming this tune. “Finally Understand” is a perfect showcasing of the band’s ability to harness the signature folk approach to indie music as it wanders in a shuffling strum of acoustic guitar. This song is an outpour about blinding love and the follies that may occur while in the midst of it. The last song on this EP is the song, “7 Blocks.” Its desolate musical architecture is the perfect foundation for the desperate message that lay beneath a need that has grown cold. Why do these songs always have to do with a girl? Nonetheless, for this kind of song, it was obviously treated very well in the recording process. Not too much production and just the right amount of the Honorary Title’s candor and character.
To parade with just four songs while touring across the nation, I would say this is a great preview for what is to come on their full-length release, Scream And Light Up The Sky (on 8/28). They are currently selling out venues nationwide as they share the stage with Cartel and Weatherbox. In the meantime, you can grab a hold of these 4 indie lashings and be touched by Untouched and Intact.
If you like the Honorary Title, you might want to check these bands out as well: Crooked Fingers, Glorytellers, the New Pornographers, Cabin and the French Kicks.
For more information on the Honorary Title, go to:
www.myspace.com/thehonorarytitle
