Icon And The Black Roses - Icon And The Black Roses
Dark Wings/SPV Records DW0002 24th May 2004
By Russell Garwood
Icon And The Black Roses; I think youve probably guessed it already, the band plays gothic rock. There are the smallest hints at other influences in the sound an EBM inspired keyboard section here, a metallic tinge there, some well hidden glam, perhaps - but the music is very gothy, and very rocky. The lightly distorted, melodic guitars are catchy, melodic, and generally simplistic, yet entirely suited to the songs on Icon And The Black Roses. The accessible riffage very occasionally gives way to solo moments - also very listenable.
A considerable amount of melody is held in the ever-present keys. Sometimes these utilise synthetic, electro-pop influenced tones, usually in the livelier songs, while the slower, melancholic pieces tend to use piano. This gives the much needed pomp to carry off the goth style. The vocals are all sung, sometimes in a rough, low tone, through a mid-range clean and very enjoyable voice, to occasional high falsetto, in a varied and solid performance. Female singing is also used in some songs, again suiting the sound to perfection. The bass is not overly prominent, but still has presence, while the drums are suitably straightforward and driving.
This all makes for a very enjoyable, but sometimes superficial release. The songs are well written, and always doused in plenty of the camp atmosphere you would expect from the band name. There is little originality to speak of, but as far as well crafted and highly accessible music goes, this is of a good standard.
7/10
Official Icon And The Black Roses website
Official Dark Wings website
Dark Wings/SPV Records DW0002 24th May 2004
By Russell Garwood
Icon And The Black Roses; I think youve probably guessed it already, the band plays gothic rock. There are the smallest hints at other influences in the sound an EBM inspired keyboard section here, a metallic tinge there, some well hidden glam, perhaps - but the music is very gothy, and very rocky. The lightly distorted, melodic guitars are catchy, melodic, and generally simplistic, yet entirely suited to the songs on Icon And The Black Roses. The accessible riffage very occasionally gives way to solo moments - also very listenable.
A considerable amount of melody is held in the ever-present keys. Sometimes these utilise synthetic, electro-pop influenced tones, usually in the livelier songs, while the slower, melancholic pieces tend to use piano. This gives the much needed pomp to carry off the goth style. The vocals are all sung, sometimes in a rough, low tone, through a mid-range clean and very enjoyable voice, to occasional high falsetto, in a varied and solid performance. Female singing is also used in some songs, again suiting the sound to perfection. The bass is not overly prominent, but still has presence, while the drums are suitably straightforward and driving.
This all makes for a very enjoyable, but sometimes superficial release. The songs are well written, and always doused in plenty of the camp atmosphere you would expect from the band name. There is little originality to speak of, but as far as well crafted and highly accessible music goes, this is of a good standard.
7/10
Official Icon And The Black Roses website
Official Dark Wings website
