Penance Soiree
by The Icarus Line
  • Record Label: V2
  • Release Date: May 4, 2004
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10

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  1. BenJ
    Jun 17, 2004
    4
    Sure, these guys can make a record sound good...but their songs are rubbish! Very disappointing!
  2. Josh.
    May 18, 2004
    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 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

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Best Album of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. PopMatters
    60
    The band is more than mere axe-bludgeoners. They've got original ideas that show a willingness to experiment with music beyond speaker-hiccuping thrash; some ideas pan out, others, not so much.
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  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]
  3. Village Voice
    80
    Searing white light and scrappy vocals are replaced by the druggy stomping and weighty grooves of '70s cosmic metal, yet the band's alluringly youthful braggadocio remains.
    Read full review
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