Review: Icon For Hire 'Amorphous'
Icon For Hire have just dropped over the weekend their powerhouse self-released album Amorphous on February 19th. This is the fourth album the Nashville natives have released, with an impressive discography that goes back to 2011's iconic release, Scripted.To say that this record is a fascinating display of lyrical and instrumental musicianship is without question. But what this album does do is take things a step further, and takes us on a thought-provoking journey, using beautiful synths and heavy guitar riffs to drive home a point that these guys still got it after all this time.
From the beginning, star-studded treasures on the album such as "Brittle," open up the album's soundscapes as to what we will be exposed to for the rest of our listening experience. From the arena-ready atmospherics to the S-Class lyricism and vocals of Ariel Bloom, this will keep listeners intrigued for the rest of Amorphous.
Another juncture that people will not expect is "Panic Attacks," a track that steals the show on the record. The bars that Bloom spits from start to finish are something unprecedented, but a welcomed experience. It would be cool to see Bloom do a side project of this style, as she shows she is more than capable of handling such material.
The interludes are also small treasures that shine as well, as each one is something sonically different and lyrically engaging.
"Last One Standing" is another synth heavy-hitting and clashing guitar riff frenzy track that will leave fans wanting more. Blooms vocals are simply infectious in this track and will leave you mesmerized, showing yet again these guys have it in spades when it comes to making a deeply impactful multi-genre record.
Amorphous is a lot to pin down in words what it is exactly. It's more than just a journey. It leaves you spell-bound by how much instrumental and lyrical prowess was put into this self-release. For those that are interested in Synth-heavy rock, with other genres magnificently sewn in between, this is worth every minute of your time.