IKON
- Flowers For the
Gathering
Songs: 11 Time: 43:37
Anyone with any past knowledge of gothic
music (no matter how minute) will certainly recognize the vocal similarities
between Ikon’s Chris McCarter and the late, great Ian Curtis (Joy
Division.) The similarity is nearly as chilling as the compositions on
Flowers For the Gathering. This Australian trio’s most recent
release is a melodic, yet cold feeling, culmination of tracks. Whereas most
gothic outfits rely on depressing vocals backed by somber music, Ikon manages to
add some positive aspects to their pieces. Persuasion delivers with
sentimental lyrics and music that verges on dance, yet still retains that
certain something that holds it with the realm of goth. Somewhere Else
reminds me of The Church, with Spanish styled acoustic guitar sounds and
vocals that go from a smooth delivery to a more hollowing, spoken approach. The
vocal likening to Mr. Curtis is strongest on Life Without End. Even the
way that Chris delivers his vocals, along with his voice, send chills up my
spine. There are some wonderful chord progressions and a hearty rhythm on
Beyond Grey Skies. Musically, Call of Despair comes off as more
upbeat, especially with the use of harder guitar chords and more prominent
vocals. I am very impressed with Ikon. When I thought of Australia, gothic
music never crossed my mind. Now when I think of gothic music, Australia will
immediately come to mind.
METROPOLIS RECORDS
Ikon
is:
P.O. Box 54307
Chris
McCarter / Dino Molinaro / Michael Carrodus
Philadelphia, PA 19105
Contact
Ikon
@
e-mail:
metropol@voicenet.com
6P.O. Box 277
Metropolis homepage:
Flemington
http://www.voicenet.com/~metropol
Victoria 3032
Australia