The Storm Before the Calm
by Lorraine Doran

The Icarus Line at the Knitting Factory, 12/13/2001

There is frustration in the Icarus Line. It might be because they played with massive energy last Thursday to a truly lame crowd. It might be because they are making less money than the Strokes. Or I might just be projecting. Their live show was like watching something pent-up explode over and over again. And that is a good thing.

Lead singer Joe Cardamone channels only the best frontmen. Sleek and lean and precarious on top of the monitors, he looked ready to pull an Iggy Pop, but willing to commit to the cuts. He's got a full mouth scream so frequent and revealing it tempts you to ask him for the name of his dentist. So New York scenesters have apparently decided to adhere to the cabaret laws even when they don’t apply. These guys were not deterred.

I'll admit it: I'm a sucker for a good guitar smashing. After playing the entire show with his back to the audience, Aaron North faced front and wailed his guitar against the stage like he meant it. Which was made even better when a fan grabbed one of the dozen or so pieces, trailing wiring from the destroyed pickups, prompting the woman next to him to warn, "He might need that." No. He didn't need that at all. After the show, North was quietly drinking Tropicana in an armchair as if he had just scratched an itch.

Musicians that are not a little frustrated either don't deserve all of the recognition they are getting or they are in Radiohead. These guys pulled the hat trick: I bought the cd, put the sticker on my fridge and wore their t-shirt to bed after the show. In short, I liked them. And if you see them, move for them. They’ll earn it.

[You can see more about The Icarus Line at http://www.theicarusline.com/]

©2001 Lorraine Doran