Hailing from the leafy suburbs of Guildford, Surry, come four-piece art rock cum alternative rock band Icarus Dive. The band named after a fighting move from a video game have a forthcoming four track EP release called “Among The Thorns.” The first track `Hydra`, which the guys have confirmed in a recent interview is a metaphor for the band. A hydra being a serpentine water monster in Greek and Roman mythology, possessing many heads.
The band do not rely on one person in the group to bring ideas to the party but have a multi-faceted approach. I loved this opening track which was a slice of dramatic, brash, almost operatic rock. Lead singer and guitarist Joe Crook possesses a terrific voice, which soars over a superb foundation, built by the powerhouse of Alex McCallum on guitar, Harry Crowe on bass / vocals and Louis Nanke-Mannell on drums. `Murder And Lies` follows and is a bit more musically intricate, highlighting a more darker aspect to the band. Really rather haunting, almost unnerving at times. `Mesmerised` had me reminiscing about the first time I heard early Queen around the time of Tenement Funster from The Sheer Heart Attack album in 1974 before they lost it for me. These fellas can certainly put an enthralling piece of layered music together with ethereal vocals and some wonderful harmonies. Pure Bliss.
`The New Gods` brings this offering to a close. Again, this is a well thought out, structured piece of rock with striking vocals soaring in, out and above. I must admit until I heard these guys the only band I knew that hailed from Guildford was the punk, new wave legends The Stranglers. It can be a bit lazy to make comparisons, but the band do tip a nod to early Queen, Muse and the marvellous Alter Bridge, which in my humble opinion is no bad thing.
The Icarus Dive sound is at times dramatic, cinematic, theatrical with stunning vocal performances, immense riffs, catchy grooves and some cracking harmonies. It would not feel out of place on the biggest stages. I thoroughly enjoyed these tracks which were infectious, fresh and at times unique. This EP has certainly whetted my appetite for more.
A class debut from these Southern boys.
Rating 9 /10
