This is a great EP, a real shot in the arm for Iconic Eye, not that the earlier line ups of the band were in any way shabby, far from it, but this effort has taken the band up several notches.
Written by: Explorer
ARTIST: Iconic Eye
ALBUM: Back From Behind The Sun EP
LABEL: Self Released
SERIAL:N/A
YEAR: 2020
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: England
LINEUP:Jon Cooksey – drums * Mike Dagnell – bass, backing vocals * Greg Dean – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals * Neil Hackett – lead guitar *Janey Smith – lead vocals
TRACK LISTING: 01 Back From Behind The Sun * 02 Jane * 03 Ghost Town * 04 Have My Day * 05 Femme Fatale
Background
This is the first release from a much revamped Iconic Eye line up with just band leader Greg Dean and bassist Mike Dagnell surviving from their 2017 ‘Into The Light’ album. The biggest change is with Janey Smith replacing Jane Gould on lead vocals. Hopefully with this line up now in place and a support slot with fellow Midlands rockers Magnum in place in 2021 the band can move forward once more, and the early signs with this EP are most encouraging as it’s a superb piece of Melodic Rock/AOR.
The Songs
Just the 5 songs and one being a cover of the classic Jefferson Starship song ‘Jane’, but there’s more than enough here to whet one’s appetite for more to come. The title track is up first and is a quite magnificent piece with a real energy to it, it’s driven along by some really solid guitar work and the vocals of Janey puts the icing on top, a great start.
When it comes to covering classics, it could be said that you’re into a loser straight away, but here with ‘Jane’ the band handles it supremely well and it’s a joy to listen to. Ghost Town’ is something right out of the golden era for Melodic Rock/AOR and is a real belter, with a certain grittiness to it that is most appealing. ‘Have My Day’ is a more focused track that allows guitarist Neil Hackett to shine, not surprising in that he actually wrote this song.
With a title like ‘Femme Fatale’ I was reminded of Lorraine Lewis’ band of the same name from back in the late 80’s, and again this is a formidable song that’s both hard and heavy but still retaining that all-important melodic sheen, oh and watch out for a cool Motley Crue ‘Looks That Kill’ style background chant.
In Summary
This is a great EP, a real shot in the arm for the band. Not that the earlier line ups of the band were in any way shabby, far from it, but this effort has taken the band up several notches. Classy Melodic Rock of the highest order, with Janey Smith being the obvious standout, but everyone in the band plays their part to make this release a quite exhilarating listen.
Video
Back From Behind The Sun
