Iceage

Since releasing 2011's bleak and scuzzy 'New Brigade', Danish punks Iceage have been a force to be reckoned with in the scene, truly standing out from their peers. Their sound is largely depressing post-punk thanks to numb musicality and strong emotions being outpoured, but with significant pages out of the hardcore and noise rock book to give them even more of an edge. They've also released 2013's 'You're Nothing' and last year's 'Plowing Into The Field Of Love' where they've progressed across these records, managing to make songs more memorable without losing any bite. They hit Leeds' Brudenell Social Club this month where we saw their significance on the stage too.

First though was Mush who played distorted Pixies/Sonic Youth-esque indie; effect heavy, psychedelic guitars with a hell of a lot of bends. The robotic, monotonous vocals morphed into the occasional feral bark lending some unpredictability. 

Next is Helm who couldn't be more different playing hypnotic electronic drone music. There's lots of long ghostly notes with the occasional cascade of think loops and samples. It's not for everyone, but whether you like it or not, absolutely everyone in attendance had their eyes glued to the artists as they struggled to decide whether they were left wanting more or glad it's over.

Continue reading: Iceage - Brudenell Social Club, Leeds - May 4th 2015 Live Review

Four-fifths of the way into Iceage's third album, Elias Bender Rønnenfelt declares he's "p**sing against the moon." As introductions go, it's about as subtle as things get, but then Rønnenfelt and his band have never been renowned for their subtlety.

Welcome to 'Plowing Into The Field Of Love', the latest venture for Copenhagen art terrorists Iceage. We use the term "art terrorists" rather than "art punks" because their vision is clearly set in the future rather than retrospective past. And while some of the musical reference points here can be traced back to artists of yore, their take on such wares is breathtakingly unique, even by their uncompromising standards.

Indeed, the three years between 2011's debut 'New Brigade' and now make interesting viewing. Emerging from Denmark's vibrant underground scene a couple of years earlier, their first record had a touch of Idlewild's 'Captain' about it; visceral, dangerous, challenging, raw. Their live shows seemed to confirm that initial promise, not to mention the band's ability to exacerbate both audiences and the media alike.

Continue reading: Iceage - Plowing Into The Field Of Love Album Review