SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: iC1s – WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?

iC1s
WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG?
BE LUCKY/UNIVERSAL MUSIC

The title of iC1s debut album, What Took You So Long? is somewhat amusing. After all, fans have been waiting a decade for it. iC1s were set to record their debut album back in 2014 after releasing highly acclaimed singles. It is the old rock ‘n’ roll story. The band fell apart. There were problems with their management, and that album never got recorded and the band split. Fast forward to 2024, the band reunites and finally record this album, What Took You So Long?

This is high-energy, post punk rock. The songs are strong on melody and played with fierce intent and loud guitars. Their rhythm section is right there to provide the perfect support, and the end result is an album full of powerful anthems. The band consists of Daniel Coburn (vocals), Jesse James (guitar), John Campbell (guitar), Jake Osman (bass) and Andy Faulkner (drums). And while some of the songs date back to 2014, this is not a retro album but a step forward.

The album opens with a single guitar and voice, but soon the whole band joins in for the wonderful “Armada.” It brings to mind everything that was great about post punk bands like The Alarm, Big Country, right up to Sam Fender. Songs like “Wack Jack” are pure rock, with great drumming and a few twists and turns throughout the song. “In The End” is a relatively slow burner that is just waiting for that explosion that comes about 40 seconds into the song. The build up creates tension, and the resulting burst is well worth the wait.

There is one ballad or a more reserved song, “Talking In Silence,” that gives the band and the listener a reprieve. As with the other songs, the band comes up with a perfect hook-ladened chorus. The same can be said for the last track on the album, “Soul On Trial,” which seems to bring everything together in just under five minutes. The song leans more to pop than punk but is extremely well executed by the band. Coburn’s vocals in this song are perfect.

iC1s have been waiting a very long time to record this album. What Took You So Long? should not be seen as a reunion album or a retro album by a band that is given a second chance. But rather a triumph. They came together and were able to record this fantastic album full of great rocking songs. They are a talented band, who would, no doubt, put on a brilliant live show, as these songs could easily translate into the world of live rock. The songs are bursts of energy with strong melodies and tight harmonies at times. iC1s are a band that sound experienced but bring something brand new to the rock arena.

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