“Mathcore” or “Mathrock”…one of many ridiculously named sub-genres invented for the soul purpose of categorising and pigeon-holing bands to cater for target audiences. Terms such as this are thrown around all too frequently these days, and ICARUS THE OWL are one band to be labelled in such a way. There’s no real need for it, essentially the band are quite simply a progressive alternative indie-rock band, but their use of time signature changes, off-kilter melodies and poly-rhythms sets them apart from your run of the mill rockers. Having formed in 2009 in Portland, Oregon, ITO have been honing their craft and fine tuning their brand of catchy thinking man’s rock, and have recently released a brand new self-titled album.
Beginning with “Ignore Check Engine Lights”, we’re greeted immediately with the powerful vocals of Joey Rubenstein, delivering a strong melodic performance over some fine, intricate playing from guitarist A.J and drummer Rob, a great start.
“Dethroned” carries with it a more up-beat punk-pop feel. It still hints at the technical musicianship that the band are renowned for, but is an easier listen all round, more accessible for the casual rock fan, while “The Monster Within” starts with a flurry of intense drumming, before fleeting in and out of tempo’s and key changes.
“Flint And Steel” is quite a soft number in contrast to its name, lots or harmonious, lingering vocals, with the chorus only slightly picking up allowing for some fine pop-rock enjoyment. The drums driving this song forward yet feeling almost restrained at the same time, the occasional flurry breaking free from the subdued feel of the song, creating an interestingly layered listen. Finally then, we’re greeted with the last track on offer; the 8 minute + monster of a song “The Pharmacist”. It’s a slow builder, highly dramatic and full of intensity, but that doesn't last too long, as we soon find ITO playing around with tempo and pitch, taking full advantage of the length of time the song gives them to indulge in their unique preferences for key changes, it’s epic and artistic in equal measure.
Whereas it’s a bit of a given that you won’t find Icarus The Owl being played by many (if any) mainstream music outlets, you can’t deny the bands ability to turn seemingly complicatedly structured songs into catchy, heavy pop melodies. This new album is right to be self-titled, as it perfectly captures what Icarus The Owl are all about. It’s an album this four piece should be proud of, and it’s also an album that you really should listen to. [7]
Download: "Dethroned", "Flint And Steel"
"Icarus The Owl" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/icarus-the-owl/id797827090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Icarustheowl
Beginning with “Ignore Check Engine Lights”, we’re greeted immediately with the powerful vocals of Joey Rubenstein, delivering a strong melodic performance over some fine, intricate playing from guitarist A.J and drummer Rob, a great start.
“Dethroned” carries with it a more up-beat punk-pop feel. It still hints at the technical musicianship that the band are renowned for, but is an easier listen all round, more accessible for the casual rock fan, while “The Monster Within” starts with a flurry of intense drumming, before fleeting in and out of tempo’s and key changes.
“Flint And Steel” is quite a soft number in contrast to its name, lots or harmonious, lingering vocals, with the chorus only slightly picking up allowing for some fine pop-rock enjoyment. The drums driving this song forward yet feeling almost restrained at the same time, the occasional flurry breaking free from the subdued feel of the song, creating an interestingly layered listen. Finally then, we’re greeted with the last track on offer; the 8 minute + monster of a song “The Pharmacist”. It’s a slow builder, highly dramatic and full of intensity, but that doesn't last too long, as we soon find ITO playing around with tempo and pitch, taking full advantage of the length of time the song gives them to indulge in their unique preferences for key changes, it’s epic and artistic in equal measure.
Whereas it’s a bit of a given that you won’t find Icarus The Owl being played by many (if any) mainstream music outlets, you can’t deny the bands ability to turn seemingly complicatedly structured songs into catchy, heavy pop melodies. This new album is right to be self-titled, as it perfectly captures what Icarus The Owl are all about. It’s an album this four piece should be proud of, and it’s also an album that you really should listen to. [7]
Download: "Dethroned", "Flint And Steel"
"Icarus The Owl" is available on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/icarus-the-owl/id797827090
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Icarustheowl
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