rage recommends by bill biss
MARVELOUS MAY MUSIC SEEK SHELTER
Iceage
The fifth album from Iceage is rough and rebel, full of piss and vinegar, and lyrically sophisticated and cynical. Musically, it is loaded with super strong guitar work and the brilliant arrangements — produced by Peter Kember, known as Sonic Boom — that add more than a touch of tough and tender. Take the track “Love Kills Slowly.” It sweeps in with a morose beauty of sadness. Elias Bender Rønnenfelt, the lead singer who wrote all the lyrics, has a vocal quality reminiscent of a remorseful Bono of U2. “Love Kills Slowly” has such a tragic feeling. Think INXS. Rønnenfelt’s voice is that mesmerizing. He has the passion and talent to draw the listener in to a net of emotions, yet you feel liberated by the feelings presented. “Drink Rain” captivates a la Robert Smith of The Cure with a Randy Newman vibe. You know Randy Newman . . . Down and Out in Beverly Hills? This is a song about love that is vibrantly heartfelt. With lyrics as “I’m close to my love. I drink the rain like iced champagne. I wonder if it’s too pure for me but I’m close to my love.” Those are the two songs that stuck in my thoughts and heart . . . let’s get on to the tough part of Seek Shelter, which is just as well-done in a different way. Oh, did I mention INXS? Iceage lets it slam down on the head with
“Vendetta.” The song has a beat like a suicide blonde and it is as tough lyrically as leather or steel. “Vendetta” struts in like a Wall Street wall of sound and lyrically is an anthem exposing greed and corruption. With the Greek chorus of bandmates adding to the arrangement, it’s very reminiscent of The Clash. As well as the song, “High & Hurt” from their album, it’s nice and raw in the emotions. There are nine songs on the album. Take a musical journey courtesy of Iceage. No white horse required. Available May 7
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ragemonthly.com | MAY 2021
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