The Icarus Line relies on sheer attitude, intensity, and noise to get their message across; the message that they are the baddest band around. As the reports come in, they just might be too. With exploits ranging from smashing the display case to get at Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar at a show to defacing the Strokes tour bus, grouped together with intense in-your-face live shows, they can claim whatever they want.
Alas this is a review of their music as laid down on plastic. They can be the most outrageous band in the world with the best live shows, but if their music doesn't hold my attention at home then I will save my money from buying a CD for a ticket.
Penance Soiree is best played as loud as you can stand it (or as loud as your neighbors can stand it) for full effect. With a sound that just crosses the border from noise to purposeful chaos, Icarus Line is very intense. Unfortunately, that is where the novelty wears off; these guys just don't have anything new to offer in their music. Although the sound is not tired, it is not original. Beyond all that though it is still a very fun listen, you just have to crank up the volume till your ears are ringing, and get lost in the noise.
For a band that relies more on exploits and attitude than music, they still do a fair job. But hey, isn't that what rock and roll is about, attitude? If this was a review of the entire package it might get four stars, but since it is just the music...
2.5/4
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