When Decibel Magazine declared Torche’s Meanderthal as the #1 release of 2008, I was immediately skeptical. Having only seen them once before (foolishly stone sober) opening up for Isis, I immediately recognized that Torche is a gem to the ears of their adorers and either you get it, or you don’t. Fortunately, I have become the converted and am now incessantly addicted to the spiritual drug Meanderthal dishes out — sweepingly brooding yet catchy, with the stoner rock sensibilities that coddle die-hard Sleep fans but stokes out the Queens of the Stone Age hard-on we hold on to so dearly.

With the rapid success of Meanderthal and a landmark appearance at this coming weekend’s pot brownie haven the Scion Rock Fest, Torche have announced that they will be releasing the “Healer/Across The Shields” EP & DVD. This loaded gun throws us back to the glory days, available exclusively on 12” vinyl (pick from the rainbow of black, purple and orange) with the accompanying DVD. The “Healer/Across The Shields” EP features two key tracks from Meanderthal –appropriately enough — “Healer” and “Across The Shields”, as well as two new ear orgasms “Mash It Up” and “Sugar Glider”, while the DVD contains the music videos for both “Healer” and “Across the Shields”. Pre-orders of the “Healer/Across The Shields” EP/DVD will ship March 13.

Torche have also announced that they will be basking in the spring sun with two other mind-blowing, toke-friendly friendly acts, Dredg and From Monument to Masses. Blaze one down and fire up the toms on one of these dates:

Torche, Dredg and From Moument To Masses tour dates
04.03.09 – Portland, OR (Hawthorne Theatre)
04.04.09 – Bellingham, WA (Nightlight)
04.05.09 – Seattle WA (Neumo’s)
04.07.09 – Salt Lake City, UT (Avalon Theater)
04.08.09 – Denver, CO (The Marquis Theater)
04.10.09 – Minneapolis, MN (Varsity Theater)
04.11.09 – Des Moines, IA (Vaudville Mews)
04.12.09 – Chicago, IL (Empty Bottle)
04.13.09 – Pontiac, MI (Eagle Theater)
04.15.09 – Boston, MA (Middle East Downstairs)
04.03.09 – Philadelphia, PA (Theater of Living Arts)
04.03.09 – Lancaster, PA (Chameleon Club)
04.03.09 – Baltimore, MD (Sonar)
04.03.09 – New York, NY (Highline Ballroom)
04.21.09 – Raleigh, NC (The Brewery)

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