Touchstone (band) - The Touchstone Sound

The Touchstone Sound

Touchstone has been described as "A band who combine the prog sensibilities of Yes with the hard rocking aptitudes of Van Halen", based on the diversity of the band members' influences. For example, Cottingham cites melodic bands such as Yes, Pink Floyd and Genesis as influences. Hodgson, on the other hand, has 'rockier' sensibilities, having previously been in hard-rock bands. He looks towards artist such as Joe Satriani for his inspiration. However, the two of them share a mutual love of Yes, and it was similarities such as this that resulted in them working together.

The band, as a whole, does cite the progressive genre as an influence, and they are classed as 'Progressive'. But their sound is made possible by the influence of other styles. Moorghen has a varied list of influences*, but listening to his playing, it can be said that anything that involves complex bass guitar inspires him.

The vocalist, Kim Seviour, provides a style which, when combined with the rest of the band, complete the 'Touchstone Sound'. Kim admires more modern artists such as Muse and Our Lady Peace, and has been in bands which covered song by artists like Guns and Roses and Metallica. She also cites Folk singers as an influence to her approach to singing.

Much of the bands earlier heavy sound can be attributed to Alasdair Melville and his love of hard rock - with a sound described by fans as 'powerhouse' he added much of the necessary weight, which is skillfully replicated by the current incumbent Rogers (formerly of Sheffield based band DeeExpus). Melville now plays for London based Rock band "The Knights Of The Realm".

This blend of influences makes 'The Touchstone Sound' accessible to fans of genres from Classic Prog to Modern Metal.