Penance Soiree - The Icarus Line
Penance Soiree Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: Alan Moulder mixed this sophomore disc for the hard-rocking Los Angeles band, known for their black and red "uniforms" and strong live sets.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Drowned In Sound
    100
    The opening half of 'Penance...' alone blows every so-called rock act polluting our airwaves clean away, such is the savage malevolence that resonates within every single syllable that spouts from Joe Cardamone's mouthful of poison.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    Full of the most intense guitar rock to come out of L.A. since Jane's Addiction's Nothing's Shocking. [Jun 2004, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    Someone still plays the Devil's music. [Jun 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Stylus Magazine
    60
    If the original and inspiring Icarus Line take on itself had been continued from the beginning or, better yet, the record had been shortened, we’d have a masterpiece on our hands. As it is, a much better outing than Mono and a brilliant song in “Getting Bright at Night”.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. JebusLizzurd
    10
    OK here's to the fuckin Icky Line, the ONLY real fucking rock n roll band left out there. this album is all kinds of nasty, and if youre not a pussy you'll enjoy every minute of it. it may make you want to do coke off of some hot bitches tits and slay a bunch of tang. this album is even respectable in the sense that its blatently obvious that they arent trying to appeal to anyone. it's not straightforward skull fucking like their first realease, Mono, but its equally if not more intense. they CHALLENGE everyone who listens, which is something thats hard to find in modern shitcock called "music" in conclusion the icarus line are the best band out there right now for the simple fact that they are REAL. end of story.… Expand
  2. RobertA
    8
    this is some great music open your ears and listen. rob
  3. Josh.
    6
    I wanted to give this cd a higher rating, but after repeated listens, it's just too frustrating to completely recommend. It's partly due to the production, which is too dry and unfocused by half, but the bigger problem is that for all their techinal virtuosity, the men of Icarus Line still have a thing or two to learn about crafting memorable tunes. Enough stunning moments (such as the incredible "Caviar") make this worth a purchase for the curious, but most will be satisfied after a cursory listen to know if they want to go further. The Icarus Line summon up a nasty majesty live, but have yet to translate that magnetism to an album. Maybe next time.… Expand
  4. BenJ
    4
    Sure, these guys can make a record sound good...but their songs are rubbish! Very disappointing!

See all 9 User Reviews

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. The Complete Columbia Album Collection - Johnny Cash
    Metascore: 99
  2. Rumours [35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition] - Fleetwood Mac
    Metascore: 99
  3. Live in Europe 1969: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 2 - Miles Davis Quintet
    Metascore: 92
  4. Jama Ko - Bassekou Kouyate & Ngoni Ba
    Metascore: 91
  5. Like a Rose - Ashley Monroe
    Metascore: 89
  6. Same Trailer Different Park - Kacey Musgraves
    Metascore: 89
  7. Your Turn - Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog
    Metascore: 88
  8. The Graceless Age - John Murry
    Metascore: 88
  9. Minute by Minute - The James Hunter Six
    Metascore: 88
  10. Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 88
  11. Music For the Quiet Hour/The Drawbar Organ EPs - Shackleton
    Metascore: 87
  12. M B V - My Bloody Valentine
    Metascore: 87
  13. Beautiful Africa - Rokia Traoré
    Metascore: 87
  14. LSXX [Last Splash: 20th Anniversary Edition] - The Breeders
    Metascore: 87
  15. Annie Up - Pistol Annies
    Metascore: 87
  16. Random Access Memories - Daft Punk
    Metascore: 87
  17. Rage Against the Machine XX [20th Anniversary Edition] - Rage Against the Machine
    Metascore: 87
  18. Without a Net - Wayne Shorter
    Metascore: 86
  19. In Time - The Mavericks
    Metascore: 86
All Current Music »