NICE WINGS, ICARUS!

Dynamically splendid, Nice Wings, Icarus! displays a tremendous degree of beauty and strength through their music. In seven intelligent instrumentals, this band incorporates guitars with varying levels of gain, steady bass and drumming, and a vibrant, if mostly forlorn violin. If anything, the band has their distinct sound fixed throughout, such that it becomes difficult to tell one piece from the next. That is of little concern, since most of the music here is inspired and inspiring. I am astounded and surprised at the level of emotion and restraint exhibited here.

"Morning Glory" Somber electric guitar and bittersweet violin create a stark, melancholic splendor, soon to be ransacked by overpowering guitar, drums, and bass.

"Those Who Built the Pyramids" Drums, guitar and violin create an inspiring and captivating piece. The heavier moments are decidedly powerful and yet not exactly in contrast to the feathery passages.

"I've Not Seen Any Angels, Just Emptiness" Dissonant and overbearing initially and occasionally, the third track is significantly weaker to my ears than the stellar first two. I don't feel like the passages transition well.

"Birth" Ghostly yet mechanical noise begins the album's longest piece. However, the fearsome atmosphere is allayed as heroic guitar and violin create a beautiful series of melodies. Heavily distorted guitars break through the poignancy occasionally, yet the flow remains uninterrupted.

"Across the Seas" One of the more initially intense pieces in the band's arsenal, this launches a hard-hitting chord progression. Unfortunately, the violin seems out of tune, and its tone just doesn't mesh with the rest of the band's sound in places. For a while, the band backs off and it is very calming, minimalistic listening, but that is merely the calm before the storm of distortion.

"Journey Back Home" The briefest piece is also uplifting and powerful, essentially distilling elements of what has come before- nothing new, but nothing bad.

"Eagle" With such a title, one would expect this final track to be a soaring and commanding finale, but it is not. It is a slow, brooding piece, fairly monotonous and in the vein of Porcupine Tree- a feeble way to end an otherwise spectacular album.