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Penance Soiree
by
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  • Release Date:
Penance Soiree Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

  • 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. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    While everyone else tries to steal from the greats, The Icarus Line have done an impressive job at continuing the great traditions in rock music.
  3. Mojo
    90
    Their debut, Mono, gave voice to little beyond their frustration, and the distance between that impressively venomous fit of black-hearted flailing and Penance Soiree's stereopathic, multiphonic attack is similar to that between Nirvana's Bleach and Nevermind. [May 2004, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    Someone still plays the Devil's music. [Jun 2004, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Pitchfork
    78
    By simply playing by the rock 'n' roll rulebook-- whose article 17, section 4 strictly dictates that ego, excess and publicity stunts are to take complete precedence over, you know, songs-- Penance Soiree is one of the better straight-up records you're bound to hear from the genre all year.
  6. Under The Radar
    70
    Too boozy and nihilistic to be punk music in the community-building sense of the word. [#7]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Rolling Stone
    50
    Memorable tunes seldom emerge from the murk.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. JebusLizzurd
    Feb 28, 2005
    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 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. markf
    May 11, 2004
    10
    I sure as hell hope that I'm not succumbing to the hype. This album isn't exactly unique, but most of the first songs come storming I sure as hell hope that I'm not succumbing to the hype. This album isn't exactly unique, but most of the first songs come storming out so intensely that I could almost believe that this was the second, or third, or fourth (you choose) coming. The initial songs all sound like a band that's completely comfortable with the fact that they can do whatever they want, because almost nobody's paying attention that it may have been done before. Later on, when the Jesus and Mary Chain/ BRMC/ Singapore Sling influences show up, it made me think I should maybe give it a 9, but then the album ended with the best feedback/ pure pop song I can recall, so I cut it some slack. I don't expect anybody to care, but I gave the new Loretta Lynn a 9, and I want to make it clear that it should have been a 10, since it's a tad better than these genius whackos.… Collapse
  4. idunno
    Jun 17, 2004
    10
    the icarus line finally have got their act together, stopped fucking around and finally made the rock n roll masterpiece we all knew they the icarus line finally have got their act together, stopped fucking around and finally made the rock n roll masterpiece we all knew they could deliver. total rock pandemonium. this is the soundtrack to snorting coke off a strippers ass and fucking your friends mom or something.… Expand
  5. willssssssssssssssss
    May 12, 2004
    9
    glorious! this is hope that there are still bands out there that try to make interesting music. this is the pooper scooper to clean up all the shit.
  6. Aphex
    May 20, 2004
    9
    This CD is the greatest chunk of nasty, sleasy, p*ss in your face rock, that i've heard in a LONG time. But don't take my word for This CD is the greatest chunk of nasty, sleasy, p*ss in your face rock, that i've heard in a LONG time. But don't take my word for it, go to their website and listen. The first seven songs are amazing, by the time I got to the line"...who's gonna miss this flesh when i'm gone..." I had to pick my jaw up from the floor and buy this CD.… Expand
  7. RobertA
    Jun 23, 2004
    8
    this is some great music open your ears and listen. rob
  8. BenJ
    Jun 17, 2004
    4
    Sure, these guys can make a record sound good...but their songs are rubbish! Very disappointing!

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Album of 2004

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