Icons of Industry\u00a0
Spatial Decibels\u00a0
(independent)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Icons of Industry, though not new to music, is certainly new to this writer. The prog rock\u00a0collective is less of a band and more of a project with a revolving cast, with the primary\u00a0songwriter(s) based in Austin, TX. I dive into this review with a small amount of\u00a0trepidation, as I am not known for my prowess in progressive rock or metal. However,\u00a0after sampling just two tracks from this EP, I was instantly interested in covering this\u00a0release. Read on to find out why!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSilver Shores\u201d begins the EP by tiptoeing in: piano and synth strings introduce what is\u00a0to come. But what that is, I\u2019m not sure yet\u2014will it be rock or some type of electronica?\u00a0Even when the vocals start, it\u2019s not entirely sure what will follow. The drums and some\u00a0other atmospheric layers are added, but this one never shifts out of low gear. It does,\u00a0however, set the tone for the album thematically and serves as a nice album opener.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Wheels Will Turn\u201d features a really nice guitar riff that reminds me of some 70s\u00a0hard rock with progressive undertones. One thing that is clear by now is that Icons of\u00a0Industry are definitely not trying to write hit singles so much as create some interesting\u00a0art rock. Somewhere after the 3:00 mark, the song turns a bit harder and offers a\u00a0blistering guitar solo before settling into a big chorus with some nice vocal harmonies\u00a0and accompanying under-layer of instrumentation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFlames of Change\u201d almost has a slight Latin feel with the percussion and piano with\u00a0some hints at Spanish melodies. Again we have lots of harmonies on this one.\u00a0\u201cHeavy Locust\u201d opens with a killer flute riff that is fantastic (words I never expected to\u00a0write in a hard rock review). The jazzy run is then joined with a heavy guitar riff,\u00a0probably the heaviest one we\u2019ve heard so far. This is really a standout song. Along\u00a0with their now-signature vocal harmonies, we also have lots of layers of\u00a0instrumentation\u2014adding to the flute and guitar riffs we also have some tasty violins to\u00a0add to the mix. Lyrically the song packs a punch too:\u00a0
Heavy locust up in the sky\u00a0
Sent down to bring you low\u00a0
Heavy locust is feeding me\u00a0
Sent down to satisfy\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The song juxtaposes the Old Testament symbol of the locust as a frequent tool of\u00a0judgement (also picked up in Revelation), with the food of John the Baptist in the New\u00a0Testament. Thus, the message of God\u2019s judgment and his merciful feeding of his\u00a0people are one in the same\u2014a theme we see so often throughout the canon of Scripture. This is the strongest track so far.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEloquence\u201d is the EP closer, and features heavy use of piano and strings to\u00a0accompany the harmonized vocals. Like the opener, this track never shifts out of low\u00a0gear, but it does offer some distinct movements within the 6+ minute song, and offers\u00a0some beautiful melodies by the accomplished vocalist(s), providing some great tools for personal reflection and whimsy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n