Icarus

This Brooklyn, NY-based trio might ring something similar to a kinder, gentler spin on the nouveau stylizations of the rock unit Sonic Youth. This is an enhanced CD, featuring color photos of bridges and overpasses amid various "form" factors and architecturally highlighted images. Curiously, the band's debut clocks in at a paltry 18 minutes in length. The group's chemistry consists of droning electric guitar voicings, discordant themes, and subliminally orchestrated choruses that become more prominent on repeated spins. The group implements a change of scenery on occasion, thanks to a few airy dreamscapes featuring the whispery vocals of either Alex Tween or Robert Stillwell over the top. They integrate acoustic piano instrumentation into their somewhat blustery mix, amid understated textures and twang-oriented crunch chords. Moreover, the legendary Steve Albini complements this pleasantly packaged concept via a shrewd sonic mix. Despite the abbreviated length of this CD, the trio possesses the goods to become a major force within the modern rock circuit.