Icy Demons, “Miami Ice” (3.5/5)

Compromised of the members of such bands as Man Man and Bablicon, Icy Demons pulls out all the stops in their new album, Miami Ice. In less than ten tracks, the band creates an album that not only fits together like a complicated puzzle piece, but also engages more than just your sense of hearing with its many imagery-filled songs.

As the CD opened, I was greeted by two synth-heavy tracks that immediately made me think of a 90’s Nintendo game. It may sound a bit absurd, but if I were stuck in a video game, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the music I would want playing while I ran around on my pixilated adventures – “Buffalo Bill” would be playing in the background of the darker, possibly dangerous scenes, while “Miami Ice” would play as I bopped around carelessly, away from harm’s way. Another song that brought a particular image to my mind was the noteworthy track “1850,” which fits most closely to being the song I would associate with going on a carnival ride while on LSD (not that I would know what that’s like)(and I don’t mean that in a bad way).

As the album continues along with its beats and beeps, it bounces around a variety of electric jam band-ish songs and head-bobbing delights until it settles down on the whimsical track “Centurion”. “Centurion” is in no way mellow, but as far as this album is concerned, it’s the closest it will get. Its repetitive beat loops through the song and acts as an aural sedative – pleasant and relaxing. Finally, the CD closes on “Crittin’ Down To Baba’s”, where the band’s hip hop influences shine clearly throughout the verses.

Overall, this album is an eclectic mixture of music which is sure to keep you alert and quite possibly a little overwhelmed at times (but with names like Blue Hawaii and Pow Pow, would you really expect anything less from these musicians?). If you can appreciate the intricacy, however, you’ll have no problems enjoying the distinct instrumental harmonies that prove that this band is a lot more than just noise.

Favorite Track: Miami Ice



Reviewed By: Cathy