August 24th, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Icon for Hire
Album: Scripted
Genre: Rock
Label: Tooth & Nail
Judging by their video for “Make A Move”, Icon for Hire are going for some kind of passionately visceral, punky, rebellious image – their lead singer Ariel is like a slightly less niche version of Emilie Autumn (I say this with love). Happily, this debut album showcases enough skill and flair for them to succeed without looking too much like attention-seeking eejits. The songs are catchy and colourful; even the slightly drabber ones have enough artistry to let them stand out a bit. It may be a bit divisive and will alienate as many as it will endear, but they give it their all and it’s an interesting listen.
I can appreciate anyone who at least attempts to sound a bit different, but much more so when they actually succeed. Many bands in today’s saturated scene (I am avowedly of the opinion that everything’s a bit saturated) mean well, but do it in too obvious a way – string samples here and there, vocal change ups, staccato rhythms. These are no exception, yet Icon For Hire seem to have found the right combination of sampling, synth, and old-fashioned rocking out to distinguish themselves. Scripted opens with a pleasingly distorted orchestral track, “Overture,” which is heavy on effects and strong on atmosphere. It’s a bit jaded and establishes a keen sense of adventure for the band to build upon. “Theatre” then crashes in with the same effects track set to roaring guitars and sultry vocals. It’s poppy and intense, allowing its more colourful elements to stand out over the other instruments. Granted, the structure is fairly banal, but it’s an intensive and rich number that aims to invigorate. The album is relentless in its attempts to lend a spring to your step, and the aforementioned “Make a Move” takes this up a notch. It’s very catchy, the sound less reliant on the artifices, but what flashes of synth resound through it add plenty of spice. Ariel’s vocals are a bit too shaky at times to really gel everything together, but the resulting touch of anarchy works well with the spirit of the lyrics. The chorus is brash and engaging and a powerful centrepiece for the song.
The band rarely pause for thought, keeping the tempo charged throughout and allowing only the odd dip in momentum. This holds your attention quite admirably, especially considering the tendency of some of their peers to dip into lengthy experiments that destroy focus and bore the listener. “Get Well,” which follows “Make a Move,” is particularly heavy on synth and uses a similarly layered and cacophonous chorus to propel itself forward. The balance between effects and instruments is just right here, the former providing a stylish opening and then dimming a little to add a barely-there sheen to the verses. “Off With Her Head” has an impressively malevolent vibe petering through its sound. Its opening guitar notes are distorted and the verses have a string-like shadow filtered through synth to add a surly under track. Everything feels bigger and bolder, the vocals and various musical elements all perfectly harnessed to create a powerful and punching track.
There are precious few misfires on the record. “Fight” has lots of kooky thrills that are only partially let down by a lacklustre chorus, though it does need a bit more bite to realise its anthemic, triumphant ambitions. “Iodine” could have given its twinkling background elements a more central role and properly fulfilled its ethereal potential. Yet, these two sandwich the slick and infectious “Up In Flames,” so you don’t feel the letdown too much.
Otherwise, the two dips in pace are “The Grey” and “Only a Memory,” both worthy if vaguely American Idol-esque ballads. Both have heavy choruses but their verses showcase softer, more fragile instruments that better complement Ariel’s voice. The piano in “The Grey” is particularly emotive, with a searching rhythm and gorgeous fresh feel.
There are only a few glimpses of inexperience here thus, and their impact is negligible. This is a lustrous and adamant record, full of energy and allure and quite determined to take everyone by storm. Its relentless rhythm and technical flair impresses throughout, and if they can match this kind of wizardry for a live audience all should be well. A very happy little surprise.
SCORE: 8/10
Review written by: Grace Duffy
Still not convinced? Click below for Icon For Hire’s “Make A Move” video!
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