Icewater Scandal play art-rock of the classic New York vintage, recalling a time when musicians and artists could still afford to live in the Lower East Side and catch a no-wave act almost any night of the week (so, maybe a slight exaggeration). For many an art-rocker, New York of the late 70s and early 80s is filled with romance, and clearly it has caught hold of Icewater Scandal on this, their first release.
These Brooklyn hipsters play it well, perhaps too well, and at times seem a bit afraid to step out from the shadow of their not so youthful heroes. Let's just say this is probably the least surprising album to have Lee Renaldo lending a hand in the control room. Every chord on No Handle recalls mid 80s Sonic Youth, although singer Andrea Hansen smoothes things over with her softer version of Kim Gordon. For influence spotters, early 90s indie acts are also a reference, along with some avante-garde masters.
Moments of sonic brilliance are all over No Handle. The delightfully disconnected transition mid-way through "Klat," the sound of a lone chugging guitar, is pretty rad. "Oh Shoot," a sprightly number, fills the ears with sharp guitar jabs and light percussion that soon collapse into squalls of guitar.
Whereas many disciples of Sonic Youth tend to pay homage to their poppier, classically indie moments, Icewater Scandal venture into the noise and discordance while managing to bind it together nicely into "song." Overall, No Handle sounds natural, and despite some awkward lyrics here and there, doesn't really contain the slightest bit of pretension. They are a talented bunch, but maybe it is time for Icewater Scandal to move away from the city.
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