Slam Dunk Bites: Too Close To Touch

Over the coming weeks, Already Heard will be highlighting a variety of bands set to play the Slam Dunk Festival later this month.

For some, the Slam Dunk Festival is a chance to see a whole host of their favourite bands in one place. However, the festival has a proven track record for breaking new bands. Lexington, Kentucky quintet Too Close To Touch look to follow that tradition when they make their UK festival debut later this month.

Since forming in 2013, TCTT have been fine-tuning their brand of alt-rock. This past September, they released their sophomore effort, ‘Haven’t Been Myself’. At its core is the impassioned vocals of Keaton Pierce, who used the record as catharsis for the loss of his three-year-old sister Eiley. The end result is an emotionally raw record that sees Pierce and company unleash a mix of fierce and melody-driven songs that are sure to please the Slam Dunk crowd.

Before they hop on the plane to come over for Slam Dunk, we checked in with Keaton to find out how the band ae feeling about their UK debut.

AH: You’re just weeks away from coming over to the UK for the first time. What is the mood in the TCTT camp right now?
Keaton: The mood in the Too Close camp is we’re very excited and eager to get overseas and play for a brand new group of people. We’ve heard nothing but great things about the UK.

AH: Your visit consists of shows with With Confidence and Set It Off along with an appearance at the Slam Dunk Festival. What is your knowledge of the festival?
Keaton: I hear it’s a great time. The lineup has always been rad. I’m really looking forward to spending a few days in a brand new place with a lot of bands and people I enjoy.

AH: Just last month you finished a tour alongside Waterparks and Creeper. What did they tell you about Slam Dunk Fest?
Keaton: They said it gets pretty crazy at times, and everyone is super nice. I can get down with that. We’re looking forward to hanging with them at the festival.

AH: For some festival-goers, you’re seen as a new band. What can people expect to see from TCTT at Slam Dunk?
Keaton: We’re just a bunch of people who feel the same stuff. We do our best to give you the live show you deserve.

AH: The line-up is packed with emerging and established names. Who are you hoping to see over the weekend?
Keaton: I really want to catch Don Broco. Those guys are sick. I’m also really hoping to catch Beartooth, Citizen, Boston Manor, and of course, Enter Shikari. We have a lot of friends playing too, so I’m equally excited to catch their sets throughout the weekend.

AH: Your latest album, ‘Haven’t Been Myself’, has been out for a few months now. For those who have yet to check it out, how would you describe the record?
Keaton: I would describe the album as dark, ambient, and heavy on the heart. It dives into a pretty rough period in my life, and we were able to channel those feelings into the record. We hope you love it like we do.

‘Haven’t Been Myself’ by Too Close To Touch is out now on Epitaph Records.

Too Close To Touch will be playing at 1:45pm on the Impericon Stage at Slam Dunk Festival on all three dates.

Too Close To Touch links: Website|Facebook|Twitter|Instagram