Underground Examinations: Reviver

Originally formed in 2012, The Torn Images consisted of Briand Arabaca on vocals/ guitar and Jayson Thompson on drums. They created one EP before Thompson moved and left the band. Keeping his resolve alive, Arabaca kept the band going and created a second EP before the debut album, Reviver, which released November 19, 2014. Is the album enough to keep these images together, or does it fail to revive Arabaca’s resoluteness?

The Torn Images is essentially one man, Briand Arabaca, from Mountain Valley, California. Although he is accompanied by other artists from Orange County, such as Jonathan O’Brian, Andy Hendandez and Tyler De Young. The three come together to give Reviver a full quality sound.

“Circling in a point of endless wonder.”

The album starts off with “The Drifting” a slow steady track that’s simple mood is hard to ignore. It picks up the way old school rock does and even finishes with a lasting effect that goes into the second track. Once again, slow and moody, “Mantle of Disguise” brings the speed up a bit and even slides into a short instrumental breakdown close to the two minute mark.

“Out of Control (Into The Void)” tries something less slowed down as the drums start off the track and keep the beat going with simple and effective snare. Echo and distortion lie at the core of the track. “Nearly Lost You” begins with guitar and vocals and stays that way, yet only increasing in power. As another guitar slyly works its way into the track, the vocals continue to lead without losing focus.

“I thought I nearly lost you, the pain of you remains.”

Gentle and soft, “Life in Standstill” sticks to its namestake and dramatically steps away from the musical theme brought about in the rest of the album. This change is ultimately one that can lead to bigger things. Although the next track, “Aimless Breath” pretends to start slow and transforms into more recognizable as it almost bridges the gap between alternative rock and grunge.

While the second half of the album gets more dark and moody, it ultimately is where the album becomes most impressive. The Torn Images will likely appeal to fans of Nine Inch Nails, Muse, and possibly Coldplay and Nirvana. Briand Arabaca sounds extremely natural in front of the mic. He can keep a track on focus and comfortable with little help. Any distortion throughout the album is done subtly with class to assist the lead guitar.

As a debut album, Reviver is quite remarkable. It does not immediately impress, it is not a flashy beast, but it is subtle, thorough and comfortably dark. Arabaca blends his vocals and guitar together in a feat of elaborate changing beauty, something that sounds seamless and effortless like the constantly changing waves of the ocean. Finding an audience for it is the difficult part, as it is slow but definitely not progressive rock or Coldplay levels of slow. The Torn Images are off to a spectacular start, where they go from here will likely solidify their strengths and weaknesses.

Underground Examinations is a series of Independent Music Reviews with the intention of giving new music a fair and appropriate opportunity to be enjoyed.

Opinion By Garrett Jutte

Link:

http://guardianlv.com/2014/12/the-torn-images-reviver-underground-examinations-music-review/#qIyCXJyPhvbDthL8.99

Alt/indie rock with a splash of neo-grunge - The Torn Images offer an interesting collection of songs on his latest full-length release, Reviver. Torn Images is the altar ego of Briand Arabaca (vocals/guitar) and he's joined on the release by other artists from his native Orange County, California, including Jonathan O’Brien - bass/guitar/keyboard/percussion (the producer in this project, member of indie rock band Workfriend), Andy Hernandez - guitar (audio monitor/engineer of LA indie rockers Grouplove; past: work with Young The Giant) and Tyler De Young - drums. The album was recorded in August 2014.

Stylistically, the album covers a range of modern rock influences with a retro edge to it. I do hear Blur, Nirvana, and Muse but the vocals owe more than a nod of recognition to the late Layne Staley (Alice in Chains). It works well when it's emotive but risks becoming mannered at times. Musically it's fuzzy guitars, heavy on the rhythm and focusing on the edgy vocal style. Much of it is taken from the harder edge of grunge/rock rather than the pop side of things.

This release is a continuation of The Torn Images' solo career after hooking up with producer Jonathan O'Brien (who recently won the OC Music Awards 2014 "Best Producer") and avant-garde drummer Tyler De Young last year. The combination works well together; De Young's inventive drumming adds texture and a fresh energy to the rock mode. Lyrically, the songs cover a kind of poetic take on real life.

Out of Control (Into the Void) is a stand-out track with its punky, drum driven energy. De Young adds a rhythmic complexity that elevates the music. The release features an interesting production aesthetic - a kind of dry sound that suits the music. Life on a Standstill takes a softer approach with harp-like guitar chords and rat a tat snare drum in a syncopated rhythm that works nicely in contrast with a quavering vocal line. It's evocative.

Tracks like Aimless Breath and Blind Fascination are melodic while still retaining that rock edge. Lost love gets The Torn Images treatment in the song, Never Be The Same Again - less angsty than poetic, letting the throbbing guitar do the emoting. The mood is more trippy on The Elusive Vagabond with a nicely insistent drum line underneath the melody.

With the internet, the world of music is expanding all the time; Reviver is a reminder that with talented musicians you can still get a lot of good mileage out of guitar, drums and voice.

-Posted by Anya Wassenberg

Art & Culture Maven
"My blog talks about music from all over the world
along with performing & visual arts, film,arts news,

events and more focusing on the Toronto &

New York areas"

Link:

http://www.artandculturemaven.com/2014/12/altindie-rock-recently-released-torn.html

December 22, 2014By TimComments:

Emerging from Fountain Valley, California in the USA, is the alt-rock of The Torn Images, centred around Briand Arabaca.

Grungy garage meets blues rock allowing The Torn Images to provide music which has finesse whilst retaining a base firmly rooted in reality. The instrumentation forms a shorn backdrop to which the vocal adds the points of reference and I am reminded of the aural relation to a Lautrec.

The resulting out-put holds the attention of the audience as the activity of keys, guitars and percussion builds graceful, though subsumed, architecture which allows the mind to find much to explore as the vocal sits forwards in fine detail. The Torn Images have the ability to switch sentiment and mood, allowing the sounds to vary expression that carries the listener on the journey.

The Torn Images have much to offer the world of music and the ability to transfer complex compositional ideas to intoxicating delivery and it will be interesting to find out how things pan-out. I certainly wish them well and recommend spending time in their company.

Link:

http://emergingindiebands.com/the-torn-images/

The Torn Images – Reviver Review

BY BRANDON IN MUSIC, REVIEWS (Brilliantly Epic)

The rock genre appears to be making an impressive return, with bands aplenty fighting to make a name for themselves in the ever-changing world of music. Bands come and go, and each has their own unique sound, for the most part, but there are a select few who are good enough to ensure they stick around for quite some time. After my initial listen of The Torn Images’ Reviver album – their debut album release – I believe it’s safe to say this is one band that we’ll hear about in a few years.

To kick things off, the first song off the debut album – The Drifting – is the perfect track to begin the entire album. It’s energetic, has an incredibly familiar sound – almost like old-school 90’s rock mixed with a bit of punk – and has gritty vocals that aren’t too obscured behind the sound of the instruments, but isn’t overly powerful enough to dominate the entire track. It’s a healthy combination of the talent behind the lead singer and his vocals.

Continuing on, further tracks within their debut album sound similar to the first, but they each feature just enough variation to be their own musical piece. You can tell The Torn Images have found a style they enjoy – their own style – and will continue to work on and improve it in every imaginable way. While not everything changes drastically between each track, it’s still enough to be interesting and make you want to listen. You don’t truly feel as if you’re listening to the same thing, though it can sound like it at times.

Things take a turn with Nearly Lost You, an almost entirely acoustic song, and the first on the album, which is a major change from the previous few entries. It’s timed perfectly within the track listing to mix things up. The vocals come across a little clearer when combined with the soft tones of the guitar, though there are some heavier instrumentals playing on occasion in the background to keep things interesting.

The trend of slower songs continued a little further with Life On A Sandstill, which is an okay song, but certainly not a favorite amongst the rest of the tracks. Listening to a second slow song in a row makes me realize The Torn Images are better when they take the gritty, rock sound that begins their debut album off. It’s strong, enticing, and easy to listen to. The slow songs are fine, but they just diminish the rest just enough to make you really realize it’s happening.

Of course, things do pick up once more after the middle section of the album. Songs start to get a little faster, making them far more interesting to the listener. The gritty nature of the vocals is present in some, but not all, which is, again, a nice change of pace.

Overall, The Torn Images have a strong debut album. Like most music productions these days, though, there are a few odd songs that could be done without, and a few that will stand out amongst the rest. It will be interesting to hear where the tone of their music turns towards for a second album.

Verdict:

Brilliant

Link:

http://www.brilliantlyepic.com/torn-images-reviver-review/

The Torn Images
Reviver
(Self-Released)

The Torn Images is a rock band from California. Reviver is the first full-length album, following two EPs since the band launched in 2012. Reviver is catchy, lyrically potent, and guitar-driven. The opener “The Drifting” sounds like something straight from an alt rock station, as does my personal favorite “Blind Fascination.” Other recommended tracks on the album include “Life on a Standstill” and “World of Meaning.”

The Torn Images cite similarities to bands like Coldplay, Blur, and Muse but they fit next to any alt rock band. They even have a bit of a 90s rock vibe that adds a unique twist to their sound. It’s refreshing to hear a rock band that’s not either overly commercialized or on the heavy side of the genre. The Torn Images keep a balance of innovative and familiar in their sound and will appeal to alt rock fans across the genre. I look forward to seeing more from the band in the future. (Sky Fisher)

Link:

http://newnoisemagazine.com/album-review-torn-images-reviver/

Tuesday Morning Music Shuffle - Tilt-a-Whirl Mix

Well! The impromptu debut of Ear to the Ground Presents: at The Building last night was a huge success or at least a hell of a lot of fun with some awesome music. Thanks to Darrin Bradbury for doing all the leg work, and to The Western Shore, Sarah Potenza, Jon Latham, and Darrin and The Fran's Eastside Super High Band for bringing the awesome tunes. Hopefully, this will be a semi-regular thing in 2015.

Let's jump into the shuffle... shall we?

"Worried Mind Blues" by Stacy Mitchhart from Live My Life

An cool, original Blues tune from Nashville Blues impresario Stacy Mitchheart.

"Bird on the Wire" by Dave Van Ronk from The Mayor of MacDougal Street (Rarities 1957-1969)

A pretty awesome Leonard Cohen cover by the Mayor of MacDougal Street, and folk revival pioneer Dave Van Ronk.

"Plastic Jesus" (Live) by Joe Nolan from Blue Turns Black

Another great tune from the catalog of Joe Nolan. You can listen to a bunch of his music at joenolan.com.

"Reindeer Boogie" by Hank Snow from Christmas with Hank Snow

This may now be one of favorite Christmas songs. A rocking little number by the Country Music legend whose name almost demanded that he do some Christmas songs. This goes back to 1967.

"I Can't Find My Keys" by Bobby Rush from Rush Hour

From classic Country to some classic Rhythm and Blues, Soul, Funk music from the Louisiana bluesman. Groovy song which reminds me of line from The Rainmakers' song, "The generation that would save the world is still looking for its car keys".

"Upper Mississippi River Valley Blues" by Ike Reilly from Am I Still the One for You?

Ike Reilly evokes memories of county fairs of my youth and the mysterious activities that happened along the fence line... and those rides...

"Saint Mary's" by American Aquarium from Burn.Flicker.Die.

I feel like I running out of ways to say how much I love American Aquarium. I want to say this is one of my favorite songs on this album, but I think I've said that before, too. If you aren't on board with this band, get to it!

"Distant One" by Heather Powell from A Haze of Grays and Blue

An awesome track from the forthcoming album from Heather Powell recorded with a bunch of the True Groove All-Stars. An amazing voice backed by some incredible musicians. It really doesn't get any better.

"Waffle House (Take 2)" by Darrin Bradbury from When a Car Becomes a House

This is the version of Waffle House that ended up on the When a Car Becomes a House collection. The previous one I featured was Take One and didn't make it to the collection. I don't know the difference between the two versions, but Darrin does, and that is all that matters. "Do I use my phone or does my phone use me?"

"Never Be the Same Again" by The Torn Images from Reviver

We close out the day with another track from the debut full-length by California Indie Rock artist The Torn Images. A pretty awesome take on "classic" alternative hard rock music. Dig it!

Link:

http://ear2theground-music.blogspot.com/2014/12/tuesday-morning-music-shuffle-tilt.html#more

Monday Morning Music Shuffle - The Drifting Mix
Tweet #E2TG

I am thinking about starting a new weekly post or something promoting the #E2TG recommended shows around Nashville each week. I have not decided upon a format or anything, but if you have suggestions or events for consideration, hit me up.

In the meantime, get ready to kick off the last full week before Christmas with a pretty awesome show at The Building in East Nashville tonight. It is Open Road Monday. Doors open at 7:00 with music starting at 8:00. The show features The Western Shore, Sarah Potenza, Darrin Bradbury and Jon Latham. An open mic follows so bring you guitars and songs down and dig it. The BLDG is BYOB or you can cross the patio to Drifter's BBQ and bring something back. The Building is at 1008 #C Woodland Street right behind Drifter's. Come out for some Ear to the Ground recommended musical offerings..

"The Drifting" by The Torn Images

The opening track from the new album by California Indie Rock artist Briand Arabaca aided by some other California Indie rock musicians. Check it out.

"Harmless Sparks" by American Aquarium

I really dig this song off of the album Burn. Flicker. Die. It's been playing quite often on my music player. It may just be my favorite track on this album which is full of great songs.

"Runnin' Away" by Heather Powell

I'm about 90% sure this was a song that I already featured that got added back when I had my playlist delete incident. If so, you may have missed it or like me, you may be very happy to hear it again. This is from Believe it to Life. Her latest album, A Haze of Grays and Blues is due out in early 2015 on the True Groove label out of New York City.

"Car Cleveland" by John Lurie

I am a huge fan of director Jim Jarmusch. This track comes from the Soundtrack of Jarmusch's 1984 film Stranger Than Paradise which stars John Lurie who also wrote the music for the film.

"All I Do is Wonder" by D.C. Bloom

This may well be one of the most beautiful songs I've heard in a long time. It is listed as Unreleased on his ReverbNation page. If this is still the case, I hope it will end up on album soon. In the meantime, head over to his Website and signup.

"Shores" by Lindsay Ellyn

Okay, New York, you better enjoy Lindsay while you have her because Nashville wants her back! I have this feeling (and I am not the only one) that 2015 is going to be a big year for Lindsay. She has new music coming out in the new year, and I've been lucky enough to have heard some of it performed live... get on board the Lindsay express early or else I will tell you that I told you so. This one his from her Shores EP.

"It's Too Late to Live in Austin" by Grant Peeples and the Peeples Republik

Another song that has been coming up fairly often on my music player. A great song that references a midnight show of James McMurtry and his band. Another one from the awesome album, Punishing the Myth.

"Trim Your Tree" by Jimmy Butler

With a hat tip to David Horton (Popa Tunes) we offer up another highly suggestive and inappropriate Christmas song from days of yore. This song from the album, "I'm Gonna Lasso Santa Claus." Mojo Nixon covered this song in the early 90s on his album Horny Holidays.

"Samson in New Orleans" by Leonard Cohen

And we close things out with a song from the latest album from Leonard Cohen - called Popular Problems.

Link:

http://ear2theground-music.blogspot.com/2014/12/monday-morning-music-shuffle-drifting.html

Song of the Day: “The Drifting” by The Torn Images
December 15, 2014 By ESBM

Today’s song is “The Drifting” by The Torn Images. This track is off the band’s full-length release entitled Reviver available now. The Torn Images is an indie/alternative rock duo formed in early May 2012 in Fountain Valley, California. The group consists of singer/songwriter Briand Arabaca (vocals / guitar) and Jayson Thompson (drums). The band’s influences ranged from alternative rock, British romantic movement (80’s new wave)/ mod revival, and indie folk rock. The Torn Images rock. Their music is aggressive, dark, edgy, yet catchy and light. The blend of indie rock with darker influences make an interesting sound that compels the listener. The music draws you in and the vocals will keep you listening.

Link:

http://www.shuffler.fm/tracks/site:2385/-/4106766

"The Drifting" by The Torn Images is one of the Picks of The Week by LIVE4EVER EZINE!!!

http://www.shuffler.fm/tracks/site:167/1418467200-14184712020000/4101233

Live4ever Media is a globally syndicated digital publisher of UK/US music news, exclusive features and promoter of high quality live music events.

THE TORN IMAGES RELEASES ‘REVIVER’

DAVID | 9 December, 2014 at 21:46

California based band The Torn Images is back with their latest full-length, Reviver, released on November 19th, 2014. Two critically acclaimed EPs to date give the band their fair claim as a potential house-hold names to watch.

The band draws influences from Coldplay and Nirvana and those said influences are pretty evident throughout the entire album. The lead track on Reviver is a bonafide rock jam in The Drifting, featuring a wide range of innovative indie, rock, and pop elements that listeners are sure to enjoy. Guitar is the star in the track and the way that Andy Hernandez works his magic on his musical weapon of choice is nothing short of marvelous.

- THE FUTURE FM

http://www.thefuture.fm/blog/reviews/the-torn-images-reviver/

“The Drifting” is the first single from the album Reviver by The Torn Images. It is easy to hear the influence of the 80s one the band. Call the sound alternative or call it rock, whatever label you choose to give it, “The Drifting: has an old school vibe, much like Bauhaus, Love And Rockets and Echo and the Bunnymen.

Penned by frontman Briand Arabaca, “The Drifting” rocks hard. The guitar is hard and the beat has an almost angry sound. The song is full of energy. The song is about a man's journey into the unknown. The lyrics share this journey.

“Stay on course with you, is a common thrill. You see it in my way a speck of certainty.”

The chorus makes you wonder who the traveling partner is, a friend, lover, or something higher. Though the tone of the song is dark, the lyrics aren't, they are thought provoking.

The music is the driving force of this song. The lyrics seem to take a back seat (pun intended) to the guitars and drums. This song inspires the listener to move. Not by dancing, but by getting out there, going places. A road trip song?

“Take the driver's seat, I'll enjoy the view
Drive me where you want, where you want me to”

Lyrics like these that open the song may make you think that but no, this isn't the type of song you want to sing along with. This is the kind of song you play at full volume and you absorb the energy the music gives off.

It’s time to take a hint from the song and get in our cars and discover something, just by drifting.

“The Drifting” is a hard rocker that will have listeners wanting to hear more.

Artist: The Torn Images
Single: The Drifting
Review by Andrea Guy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the author:

Andrea Guy hails from Southwestern Pennsylvania where she collaborates with several friends on pop culture blog called The Certifiable Wenches. This blog features books, tv, movies and music reviews as well as commentary on current events. Music has always been a part of her life; from the age of 5, The Beatles and The Monkees dominated her listening. Over the years music became more and more important, and one room of her house is filled with CDs from the floor on up. There isn’t a genre that she won’t listen to at least once.

The big news is here! The new single by The Torn Images called "The Drifting" is now available worldwide for digital download and streaming!

Participating digital stores and streamers:
iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, Google play, bandcamp, 7digital, DEEZER, music, 247entertainment, iHeart RADIO, simfy, rdio, wiMp, JB HI.FI, SLACKER, NOKIA, muve MUSIC, zvooq, blinkbox, medianet, and Rhapsody.

"The Drifting", a new single The Torn Images will be released on Oct. 22, 2014. It is the first cut from their forthcoming album, "The Reviver" (which is due for release on Nov. 19, 2014).

"After three weeks of intense rockin' new tunes, my first full length album studio recording is finished. This had exceeded my expectations with my producer Jonathan O'Brien, who once again wielded his Midas touch on the said recording. No wonder that he's OCMA's 2014 Best Producer, in which he fully deserved the recognition.

I am also blessed to have shared my gift of songs with my talented and trusted drummer Tyler De Young. With the addition of guitar wizard Andy Hernandez, I am grateful that his contribution further improved the sound and performance of The Torn Images.

I had a fantastic recording experience indeed at The Music Box Studios in Irvine, California. This place has been my sanctuary of hope, and passion in music since I recorded my first EP in 2012.

Lastly, I am thankful to God for giving me a chance to fulfill my dream. I am so excited to share with you friends my new album!"

- Briand Arabaca (The Torn Images)

"The Drifting" is a new single by the The Torn Images which is expected to be digitally released worldwide in October 2014. Written by Briand Arabaca. Stay tuned!

The Torn Images (aka Briand Arabaca) began recording a full length on the 1st of August with OCMA 2014 Best Producer awardee, Jonathan O'Brien at the helm. Also at the studio was Tyler De Young, who delivered astonishingly with his confident and dependable drumming in the mold Ringo and Bonzo. The carefully chosen tracks for the recording were narrowed from 10 which give it a more tight, focused album. No "fillers" so to speak as the living mantra of The Torn Images.

This recording also welcomed the first collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Andy Hernanadez, providing bells and whistles on guitar. Currently, he is the monitor engineer of Grouplove, one of the best indie rock bands in LA.

Briand Arabaca (The Torn Images) collaborates with producer Jonathan O'Brien for the third time. As stated by the said award-winning OCMA 2014 Best Producer, "I want this full length to blow the previous EPs out of the water as far as performances." With such bold statement, this promises to be an exciting new musical journey for The Torn Images!

Link: http://youtu.be/60dGATAPXLY

The second EP of The Torn Images entitled "Bound for The Morning Sun" will be released on Nov. 14, 2013. This will expect to gain more recognition from music fans around the globe with the catchy single, "Back To You", and a ballad called "Come Alive".

Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bound-for-the-morning-sun-ep/id725591599

In that they formed in May of 2012, The Torn Images is still a brand new name in the music scene. Like the budding band itself, their songs are fresh, though they have a vintage feel to them at the same time. The Dawning, a fitting title for this two-man band's first release, is an EP consisting of six tracks. Though the group is made up of only two men, Briand Arabaca and Jayson Thompson, you wouldn't guess that from the music itself. Their sound is based around rock elements, but with the help of producer Jonathan O'Brien and sound engineer Tyler De Young they are able to produce rich, layered compositions that contain a range of additional sounds which allow their music to dabble here and there in electronic subgenres.

"Scent of Summer" follows a similar progressive rock style as Muse and kicks off the album. Rock is merged with electronic and progressive styles in this piece; in turn, this blend leads to the conception of ambient, almost other-worldly sounds - a style many refer to as space rock. "Path of Resolution," on the other hand, has a more vintage, British rock tone to it as does "Healed Memory." As these tracks start to take on a more retro sound the group begins to reflect a style similar to Echo and the Bunnymen or The Church. Reflective, introspective lyrics that question the solitude and isolation the world can create seem to be a common theme as the EP continues to unfold. Arabaca begs to the heavens in "Path of Resolution" to be gifted with forgiveness, redemption, and resolution. But while the lyrics are so detailed they still have a way of coming across with some vagueness, leaving a good deal of ambiguous conclusions to be formed. The keyboard adds an additional layer to the track that lends to the lyrics, creating a feeling of calmness and serenity.

Melancholy lyrics, especially when love is the topic, seem to be another common topic on this album. But there are times where the tracks turn around, becoming optimistic, such as with "The Sun and the Downfall." The first verse and first chorus are more pessimistic; Arabaca sings in first person about how he decided to close the door on love. The following verse and chorus, however, find a different light. He begins with, "And you appeared like the sun, beamed and shined with rays of hope." The lyrics of the chorus have also been completely altered and rearranged in order to fit his new outlook.

Though "Scent of Summer" is the group's first single, "Heart of Stone" is probably the most notable track on the album and would do well as the next single seen from the band. With an 80's energetic pop style to it, you cannot help but to let it win your heart over. The keyboard takes center stage while the drums lay down a steady pattern for the extent of the song. The final track is "Music Is My Therapy," which recognizes how powerfully music is able to effect a person. A heavy drum pattern acts as the key instrument while the keyboard follows in the background to provide the track with electronic characteristics.

The one main downfall to the album is that the lyrics can sometimes become difficult to understand with Arabaca's accent. All things considered, The Dawning manages to maintain a retro vibe about it while also sustaining a distinct diversity. They do this by transcending both multiple genres as well as multiple eras with their sound, allowing their fan base to extend through various genres and age groups also.

Review by Alec Cunningham
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)

Alec Cunningham is a journalist and freelance writer from Knoxville, TN. Her passion for music goes back to the early days of her youth. For her, having the chance to interview bands and review their music, along with becoming introduced to new artists, combines the best of the music and writing worlds. She currently works for the Music section of BLANK Newspaper, Knoxville’s longest-running independent publication, writing musician interview articles and album reviews.

Relatively new to the music industry, The Torn Images immerse themselves in the indie scene and create a name for themselves with their debut release, The Dawning EP. Emerging as California natives, The Torn Images is composed only of Briand Arabaca as the vocalist and guitarist, and Jayson Thompson as the percussionist. Their music may urge listeners to question the possibility of only a duo composing the band, but producer Jonathan O’Brien and engineer and drummer Tyler De Young aided in this process for The Dawning EP. An alternative rock duo with a fresh sound, The Torn Images stand as a band to keep an eye on with their release, The Dawning EP.

Opening the EP is the progressive, spacey composition “Scent of Summer” which is also the longest song on the EP. Instantly striking listeners is the ominous nature of the track, particularly haunting the underlying percussion beats and Arabaca’s vocals. Merging alternative influences with electronic influences, The Torn Images initiate their differentiations from other artists. “Scent of Summer” strays from elements generally associated with summer, instead focusing on ambient elements, a consistent combination of eighth and sixteenth note taps on the hi-hat, and echoing, haunting keys. In full control of the tracks’ nature is Arabaca, who consistently delivers vocals that don’t attempt far from his range, except from the higher notes he hits towards the song’s completion. The song embodies what The Torn Images stands for and epitomizes atmospheric rock.

However, The Torn Images ensure that they aren’t hiding behind genre restraints. Instead, the band decides upon showcasing their multi-talents through different styles. “Path of Resolution” follows the introductory track, but doesn’t remain consistently with the spacey nature. Though it does include synthesizer aspects, the song has more of a British-rock feel to it. Versus the patterned drumming in the earlier track, “Path of Resolution” highlights Tyler De Young’s percussion abilities. Immediately, De Young's proceeds to set the pace for the song, coming off strong with his driving striking of the snare and eighth note tapping of the hi-hat. The instrumental performance is powerful, but nothing measures up to the vocal performance given by Arabaca. Genuinely hoping for forgiveness, Arabaca delivers the lines, “Oh Heavens, hear my pleas of forgiveness, pour me with the rain of redemption.” The heartfelt vibrancy from Arabaca’s vocals illuminates the emotionally driven song, shining light on the lyrical aspects. Amidst the pleads of redemption and forgiveness, The Torn Images manage to create a serene atmosphere, providing comfort and an outlet for listeners to escape to. Instead of implementing more songs that categorize with progressive elements, The Torn Images attempt to drive forward their British influences again with “Healed Memory.” Beginning with a combined crescendo from Arabaca on guitar and De Young on drums, the energy for “Healed Memory” is immediately set. A mid-tempo rock song, “Healed Memory” doesn’t lack anything concerning a rock-dominated song, fulfilling all the necessary elements of strong drumming, supportive guitar strumming, and a dominating vocal performance. However interesting is that “Healed Memory” features more modern elements, including the synthesizer inclusion towards the song’s midway point. In doing so, the band shows that they can too combine certain rock elements with modern day ones. Having the feel of 80s British rock, both “Healed Memory” and “Path of Resolution” implement rock styles that aren’t found in the majority of modern music. Both songs bring the EP up a notch, showcasing that The Torn Images aren’t just another band, but are a fan that’s paving their way for success.

“Heart of Stone” proves to be the EP’s standout track. Unequivocally, the song masterfully creates a vibrant environment, providing boldness and a contagious aspect to it that isn’t found as concentrated in other songs. The standout piece is crafted by the punchy drums and especially signature strong guitar strumming. The combination of both the drums and the guitar provide a strong foundation instrumentally, but without the addition of keyboard, the song wouldn’t form into what it is. The keyboard resides powerfully over the other instruments, truly only competing with the vocals. Fueling the song, the keyboard resonates with contagious melodies, fighting with the guitar for additional dominance. Songs like “Heart of Stone” remind listeners of The Torn Images’ ability to masterfully create modern day pop songs while remaining true to their alternative, progressive roots. Concluding the EP is “Music is My Therapy.” Perhaps the most lyrically significant, “Music is My Therapy” connects with listeners on emotional levels, delving into what listeners potentially perceive music as. Supported by the alternating bass drum kicks and snare hits, “Music is My Therapy” revolves around Arabaca and the sincerity when he delivers connective lines as, “Music is a therapy, an art of beauty to hear and see. Music is my therapy, a major key of remedy.” The darker recording interestingly contrasts with the powerfulness of music. Apart from the lyrical passion, the drums make “Music is My Therapy” the song that it is. There’s a highlighted passion that’s driven within “Music is My Therapy” by drummer that isn’t entirely audible in other tracks. The song centralizes the percussion’s importance, for without it, the track would lack enthusiasm, energy, and as much depth.

For an EP release, The Torn Images provide listeners with insight into what the band is made of and the potential the band possesses. Though aspects aren’t entirely perfected, The Torn Images display that they aren’t following restrictions and don’t intend on following one-set path. Rather, the band intends to expand their musical horizons and to explore different materials, while remaining true to their musicality and artistry. An insanely connective, musically unique, and captivating release, The Dawning - EP is a strong, solid foundation for The Torn Images to unleash into the world.

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Artist Name: The Torn Images
Album Title: The Dawning - EP
Review by: Alexa Spieler
Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Alexa Spieler Genres: Pop, Rock

At the age of fifteen Alexa Spieler started writing about music and managed to build up her very own music promotional website. Since then she has covered prestigious events ranging from the VANS Warped Tour to Arthur Ashe Kids Day, among more. Music has always been a passion of hers, as well as writing. Putting the two together came the formation of her conducting music reviews. She loves this since she now has the opportunity to find out about new artists, as well as getting to write her own opinion on them. She is always excited to find out about the next ‘big thing’ and as always, to interview them.

The Torn Images will release their first EP called The Dawning on March 2013. The delivery of such diverse palette of sound inherent on the band, is evidently heard on songs like: “The Sun and The Downfall”,"Path of Resolution", and “Scent of Summer”.

Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-dawning-ep/id613615506