The four-piece post-hardcore act Title Fight has been making pop-punk hearts swoon since 2003 with its tight yet ambient melodies and constant homage to '90s emo.
The Kingston, Pennsylvania, band is touring to promote their latest album, Floral Green, released on September 18. The album hit Billboard's Top 200 chart at number 69 upon its debut. And no, they didn't plan it that way. "It definitely received way more recognition than we thought it ever would have," said Ben Russin, the band's drummer. "We never thought it would happen. We're really happy with how it turned out, and how people have been receiving it."
Floral Green is the band's third LP, following 2009's The Last Thing You Forget, a compilation of some of the band's singles, and last year's Shed.
With Title Fight's most recent release, the evolution of their sound continues. "It's definitely a progression from our earlier stuff," Russin said. A good progression, it seems, based on its welcome at shows so far. "A lot of people have been singing along with the new songs." Always a good sign.
However, Russin warns, don't expect to Google the band's set list from the night before -- it changes every night. "We try to switch some songs out." According to the drummer, "We try to make the set list before we play, which we always slack on."
During this intense tour, alongside ambient hardcore band Pianos Become the Teeth and London-based punks Single Mothers, the musicians only get three days off. But Russin told us they aren't fazed. "You just kind of get in this routine of things. It becomes kind of natural. When you're on tour, the days go by really quickly."
They'll be making their South Florida stop at Pembroke Pines' Talent Farm, an underground studio, hidden within a sea of warehouses. This isn't Title Fight's first time playing the Talent Farm. In fact, the band was here last year with hardcore act, Touché Amoré. "We're excited," said Russin. "Last time, it was a lot of fun. It was really hot and sweaty, I remember, but it's going to be fun."
Fun indeed, agreed Talent Farm owner, Kevin Burns. "I'm really excited. They were here before, and I'm just really excited to have them back," said the owner of the eight-year strong establishment. "I love when bands blow up and get big and they still come back to the smaller venues."
Russin said of coming down here: "South Florida's always a spot we look forward to coming to. We're definitely looking forward to it again this tour."
- Emily Bloch
Title Fight with Pianos Become the Teeth and Single Mothers at 6:30 on November 18 at the Talent Farm, 20911 Johnson St #111, Pembroke Pines. Tickets for the event are $15 online, or $14 at the door.
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