Meanderthal made its way onto my and our and various other folks’ 2008 best-of lists, and it continues rolling well into 2009. Torche’s David Kleiler-directed video for “Across The Shields” was pretty goofy. When we posted it, we mentioned that it was shot last August, while they were on tour with Boris, which is why ex-guitarist Juan Montoya makes an appearance. We also mentioned it was the first of two videos shot on the same day. Juan shows up in Kleiler’s “Healer” clip, too, so we’re deducing this was that aforementioned video number two. This time the guys went with a fairly straight-up performance, which makes much better sense: You don’t need to get fancy when you write songs like this. Now get ready for a bunch of orgasm faces.

For your ears only:

• Torche – “Healer”Download

Meanderthal is out via Hydra Head. And they’re out on tour with the also awesome Harvey Milk.

07/17 Indianapolis, IN @ Emerson Theatre #
07/18 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean $
07/19 Columbus, OH @ Ravari Room %
07/20 Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop %
07/21 Buffalo, NY @ Tralf Music Hall %
07/23 Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace %
07/24 Montreal, QC @ La Sala Rossa %
07/25 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs ^
07/26 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg ^^
07/27 Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church %
07/28 Washington, DC @ Rock and Roll Hotel %
07/30 Charlotte, NC @ Milestone %
07/31 Atlanta, GA @ EARL %
08/01 Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club %
08/02 Tampa, FL @ Czar
08/05 Hollywood, CA @Knitting Factory **
8/22 Henrico, VA @ Hadads Lake

# w/ Harvey Milk, Young Widows, Ice Nine, Coliseum
$ w/ Harvey Milk and Young Widows
% w/ Harvey Milk
^ w/ Harvey Milk and Cable
^^ w/ Harvey Milk and Pollution
** w/ Big Business