REVIEW: Icos, At The Speed of Life (Slipdisc/Mercury)
- Linda Scott
Icos is a four man, Chicago based band that can rock hard yet still has the versatility to play blues and pop. Depending on which track you listen to, you can hear a band that sounds like Metallica or has a Beatles soft-rock style. Singer/songwriter Danny McGuinness readily admits to influences that are all over the musical map. Tom Waits is cited along with U2, The Beatles, Springsteen, The Clash, and Stevie Wonder. The well-read songwriter has eye-opening literary influences; his doom-laden but thoughtful lyrics explore McGuinness' own obsessions while his literary tastes for Jung, Huxley, Camuc, Leary, Clarke, and others have helped him express these thoughts. McGuinness sounds like he is not going to fit well in the brainless rocker mold.
An unusual man, McGuinness also plays rhythm and acoustic guitars in Icos. He and drummer Kyle Woodring founded the band about four years ago, while lead guitarist Scott Bond and bassist Gordon Patrarca round out the group. Together they make some beautiful melodies.
At The Speed Of Light is a good rocking album. From the first couple of notes on the self titled first track, you know someone out there besides you is rocking hard. The whole album is put together well. The pop sounds are in the middle with rockers around them. The album's track arrangement has a focus and purpose, and this shows Icos' maturity. These guys know how to play raw power rock, but they also have very good musicianship with strong rhythms and melodic hooks.
For more information on Icos, check out their label's site at http://www.slipdisk.com .
