EP Review: Iceni - Iceni

Line-up as per launch gig

(Review by Ann Alex)

 The launch gig review shows one side of the EP cover - the reverse, seen here, shows a brightly coloured partridge, very attractive, which sets the mood for four bright, lively, assertive tracks. 

Drive is all about driving your car as an escape from stress, so the piano drives along powerfully, drums vary between lighter and heavier tones, speeds vary, harmonies blend.  An exciting start.  Then comes Heather, a love song for a sister, full of amusing family reminiscences such as ‘when I was four and you were three you tried to drown me’, gently sung by Elizabeth, (I think) and presumably autobiographical.  Thief And Fool is discussed as played at the gig, and All Roads is a spirited love song about loving someone whether they are present or faraway.  And readers simply must listen to the free download, Trail Of Dead.  Elizabeth declaims in biblical fashion, loudly to a fast drumbeat, ‘and ye shall know me by the trail of dead, and the tale of destruction continues, interpret it how you will, ending with deceptively sweetish vocals.  Great stuff. 

I’d love to see this band on Jools Holland Later, they won’t be the first North Eastern band to appear, the Unthanks folk band were on last year.  Wonder how you get on to that show?

Ann Alex