Meet Icosa. Described as a concept-driven progressive band, the first thoughts that spring to mind at the outset of the ambient ‘Ermangulatr’ is that the music is a cross between Peter Gabriel and King Crimson only for the band to unleash a perfect fire-storm of riffs that align the band more closely with Dream Theater and Tool. Unashamedly heavy, written in a time signature which, one suspects, requires quadratic equations to unravel and overlaid with vocal harmonies that sit uneasily between Alice in Chains and The Mars Volta (with perhaps a touch of Mastadon thrown in), Icosa are one of the most unconventional and technically proficient bands currently marching under the progressive banner.
Remarkably ‘the skies are ours’ is the band’s debut EP. It is remarkable because the band have achieved a level of musicianship that some bands fail to acquire over a lengthy time in the industry. It is remarkable because the band’s debut EP is produced as if it was a multi-million selling prog epic rather than an independent release from a London band. It is remarkable because it is a debut EP that demonstrates more confidence, more imagination and more technical brilliance than a Mastadon album. In short it is one hell of an introduction to a band who should, if there is any justice in the world, already be subject to frenzied headhunting from labels around the world.
Back to the opening track: A mesmerising, awkward piece of progressive bravado, ‘ermangulatr’ highlights the simple fact that Mike Portnoy has a challenger in the form of Jack Ashley, a drummer who seems to know no fear when it comes to working his way around the kit. Meanwhile Tom Tattersall (guitars and vocals) is in a class of his own and his guitar work needs to be heard to be believed whilst Stacey Douglas compliments his style perfectly. Technical proficiency, of course, is nothing if you don’t have the songs with which to work, but there is no problem here as the band are more than capable of harnessing their manic energy into crafting some truly awe-inspiring moments, as evidenced on the churning, furious ‘the skies are ours: 1)’. Hints of Meshuggah, The Alchemist, Opeth, Porcupine Tree and Dream Theater are all evident in the band’s sonic tapestry, and the fact that Tom has a powerful and clear voice simply adds icing to the proverbial. As the song progresses (no pun intended) the music trips off unexpectedly into its own ethereal world and it is clear that Icosa are not content to simply batter the listener into submission, even if the music does segue into the brutal ‘the skies are ours: 2’, a sonic battering ram powered by atomic percussion and grinding guitars that scrape and tear underneath a solo that could have been drawn from the well of Steve Hackett. It is incongruous, yes, but it works and fans of progressive at its heaviest will find themselves sinking to their knees to praise whatever dark lord serves their purposes that Icosa have come forth with this insanely powerful work. Final track ‘trepidation’ segues from the hypnotic conclusion to its forbear and places a much firmer emphasis on vocal harmonies, highlighting the fact that the band don’t need to employ time signatures that tie the listener in knots to impress, although these do surface as the song continues its journey into the band’s own heart of darkness.
If there is any concern with the ‘the skies are ours’ it is simply this – the band have set their own bar ludicrously high. With near flawless production, musicianship and song-writing, the band have set a precedent which will take some beating. However, what instantly marks out the band’s seemingly limitless potential is the fact that even on this short EP, Icosa employ light and shade, power and restraint, and it suggests that given a full-length album to play around with they could potentially create something to rival even Tool. Is this hyperbole? Tool are one of my favourite bands of all time and, I feel, not a comparison to be made lightly, but such is the depth of skill and creativity evident on this EP that it is an entirely valid one. ‘The skies are ours’ is a remarkable piece of work, and the band’s debut full-length cannot arrive soon enough.
Don’t wait – check out the band right now:
