Fewer things have been drained from modern rock faster than vitality. Records that hit a gut check, and connected on a primal level. Albums made by musicians, not rock stars. These last ten years or more have been the time of the rock star. Perhaps not in sales, as the internet continues to challenge the king makers, but in attitude. Even those whose “we are underground” chants are the loudest, seem to parade around like a bunch of prima-donna dicks. Asshole is the benchmark of creativity? Let’s hope not.
From the depths of that musical maze climbs Icarus Line. More an outstanding trainwreck than a band, Icarus Line return not only danger to rock n’ roll, but also menace. Joe Cardamone, ringleader of the Icarus Line resistance, has managed to keep the caustic spirit of the band alive through multiple line-up changes, including the loss of guitarist Aaron North. First to Nine Inch Nails, then North left music altogether. Now, Icarus Line return with more havoc, this time in the form of their latest full length offering, Slave Vows.
When you kick your album off with an eleven minute slow-burn, I tend to take notice. If that slow-burn opens with a psychedelic drone, coalescing into a trance-like state of bass and drums, I tend to get excited. At the end of the trance, the plane flies into the building, the car hits the wall, and everything comes loose. Icarus Line intro Slave Vows with this mess, titled “Dark Circles”. You can imagine how erratic the rest of the album will be.
Never ones to be in love with easy hooks, or chart topping singles. Icarus Line let their fanged and sleazy guitar ways ooze forth. “Don’t Let Me Save Your Soul” is all blues jammed, chest-thumping, man rock. Swing, groove and attitude in the same vein as The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog”, or “Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell”. Icarus Line move into sexy-preacher territory with “Dead Body”. The bass line slithers, as do Cardamone’s vocals. Once the main riff kicks in, the whole song teeters on falling apart. It doesn’t, but the demolition of guitars, against bass, against drums, is an awesome spectacle.
“No Money No Music” and “Rats Ass” see Icarus Line returning to their earlier, buzz-saw punk style. “Laying Down For The Man” is the scene stealer here, a post-punk bastard born of The Stooges, the MC5 and early Sonic Youth. Built on low rumbles and explosive high points, “Laying Down For The Man” comes across as Cardamone’s mission statement. He’s vomiting it all out for you, so come see what he has puked up.
Funny thing is, I never wanted to like this band. Years ago, I knew both Aaron North and Travis Keller, when they were the guys behind Buddyhead, and Icarus Line was just North’s little band. At that point I was unimpressed. Icarus Line seemed too steeped in being cool. I guess time, and drama, have cured the band of that problem. Sure they still rock a “look”, but with Slave Vows they have musical balls to swing at anybody giving them a hard time.
Icarus Line may not be subtle, or wholly original, but they are one of the few rock bands left that could scare your parents.
