Icon For Hire – Scripted

Review

'Scripted' by Icon for Hire? Man, that's a debut that hits like a freight train. Released in 2011, this album stormed onto the scene with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer to a china shop. Ariel Bloomer's vocals are a force of nature, raw and powerful, cutting through the mix like a hot knife through butter. The guitar work is pure adrenaline, cranked up to eleven and ready to melt faces.

But it's not just about the noise. These cats know how to craft a tune that sticks in your head. 'Make A Move' and 'Get Well' are prime examples of their songwriting chops. And when they slow it down on 'The Grey,' it's like a punch to the gut - in the best way possible. Recorded in Nashville and Seattle, the album's got a split personality that works in its favor, blending tight production with a looser, more organic feel. It's like they took the best of both worlds and created their own sonic cocktail. No wonder this thing broke records for Tooth & Nail and climbed the Billboard charts faster than a monkey up a tree. - Jude