The Icarus Line @ King Tut's, 6 Aug
The Icarus Line look as though they could still take on the world, the question is whether they really want to
Roaring through their six song set in a Black Flag styled rage, Dead or American [**] seem almost unable to relent in their projectile execution of barbed, hardcore punk, though when they do so in an isolated moment, a masterful instrumental build provides context for the explosive rally which follows, and buoys an otherwise disappointingly one dimensional set.
Whilst Dead or American’s modus operandi is relentless thrashing, Lustra’s [**] seems to be unrelenting self-effacement, belittling their cover of the Jesus & Mary Chain’s Head On before they’ve even begun. The catch is that their set; which harks of 90’s era alt. rock; shows some promise, but is sadly almost drowned out by their lack of self belief.
When The Icarus Line [***] take to the stage, it’s in stark contrast, with assured confidence, rock & roll ethics and aesthetic androgyny. Their set swaggers and explodes in equal measure, though the crowd's response is indifferently muted by contrast, and as a result, they gradually appear caged and hesitant in the face of their searing reputation. Whether they’ve been tamed by their sabbatical from the scene or are quelled tonight by the somewhat unresponsive crowd, The Icarus Line look as though they could still take on the world, the question is whether they really want to. [Paul Neeson]