Content Warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading. This piece mentions the sudden passing of a band member. Read at your own pace.
Too Close To Touch’s raw emotion and eloquence are one of the reasons this band stands out to us so much. Keaton Pierce’s (vocals) talent for conveying emotion and eloquence through his lyrics is easily some of the best in the business, and in all seriousness, choke us up every time we listen to them. Pierce was brutally honest, never shying away from revealing the darkest parts of himself, crafting eloquent tracks that not only described what he was going through, but what so many others experience as well. When he would sing his words, his voice was just emotion — wrapped around every note, every run, every harmony. He gave every song everything he had – you can hear it in every Too Close to Touch song.
Too Close to Touch is an alternative rock band with some heavy electronic influence. The group consists of the talented Mason Marble (bass), Kenneth Downey (drums), and Keaton Pierce (vocals), who tragically passed away last year, unexpectedly.
‘Hopeless’ (Featuring Telle Smith of The Word Alive)
The band just released a song titled ‘Hopeless (feat. Telle Smith),’ with The Word Alive (another fantastic band). Smith, The Word Alive’s vocalist, was close with Pierce, and collaborated on Too Close To Touch’s newest track, filling in bits and pieces that, unfortunately, Pierce never got to record. It is possibly one of the most heart-wrenching songs we’ve ever heard, but the sentiment and thought and love behind it make it one of the best songs we’ve heard in a while. In celebration of ‘Hopeless’ and Pierce, we’ve compiled a small list of Too Close To Touch’s best tracks of their I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You EP series.
The I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You EP series consists of four EPs, three released in 2019 and one released in 2020, each with three tracks on it. The EPs follow somewhat of a storyline, documenting moments and places in time, the progression of life, and the healing process after losing someone close. We love the EP series, and it’s so hard to choose a favorite, a single favorite, off each release.
Below is our list of Too Close To Touch’s best tracks in their I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You EP series.
‘The Fear of Letting Go’ – I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You, Vol. 1 (2019)
In a toss-up between ‘The Fear of Letting Go’ and ‘Hard to Love,’ we have to admit that ‘The Fear of Letting Go’ is our favorite. It’s an excellent example of why we love Too Close To Touch so much. The emotion, the honesty, the soaring nature of their choruses. This song can do no wrong.
‘Bedroom Hymn’ – I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You, Vol. 2 (2019)
We love ‘Bedroom Hymn,’ and we’ll tell you why. The intro, first of all, hits hard. And then we love the rush of instrumentals in the chorus, crashing over us like a wave. It’s a beautifully dramatic and cinematic kind of chorus. Lyrically, Pierce shows the best of his capabilities.
‘Comatose’ – I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You, Vol. 3 (2019)
Our favorite Too Close To Touch song, overall, is ‘Comatose.’ This song hurts in the best of ways, and we cannot tell you the amount of times we cried along to this song, comforted by the fact that someone else could articulate how we were feeling. The soaring rush of instruments, stylistically, a bit similar to ‘Bedroom Hymn’ in ‘Comatose’ combined with the lyrics just… We really don’t wanna get too depressing on main, so… We just cry. A lot.
‘Pick Me Up’ – I’m Hard To Love, But So Are You, Vol. 4 (2020)
Straying a little further into that electronic side, channelling their rock roots and energy, ‘Pick Me Up’ is a really fun song instrumentally. Lyrically, Pierce is commenting on the pressure of the industry. It’s a beautiful juxtaposition. Oh, and the bridge is a real fun time. We won’t spoil it for you!
If, after the EP series, you’re as hooked as we are, here are a few more tracks for you to check out on their other releases. (You’re welcome.)
If you like their heavier side… try ‘What I I Wish I Could Forget!’
If you like their melodic side… try ‘Until I Collapse!’
If you like their lyrics… try ‘For Your Sake!’
If you like their instrumentation… try ‘Burn!’
If you like their darker side… try ‘What A Shame!’
If you like their upbeat side… try ‘F.I.N.E.!’
Okay, okay, we’ll let you discover the rest on your own. Let us know on Twitter what songs you ended up listening to, which ones are your favorite, which ones you discovered… We want to hear it all. Too Close To Touch has always been our favorite (thank you, Kellin Quinn, for featuring on ‘The Chase,’ you helped us find a gem).
So, we love hearing about Keaton Pierce’s words and his music resonating with people. If you can’t find us on Twitter, try Facebook or Instagram! Let’s celebrate Pierce and the work of Too Close To Touch.
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