ICEHOUSE (1980)
In 1980, the band formerly known as “Flowers” released their debut album, Icehouse. It marked the beginning of the Australian band's journey and it is one of the most solid debut albums of the 1980s. Why is it solid? I am so glad you asked! It is because it firmly establishes the bands unique sound of poppy post-punk blended with new wave and synth rock. Also, it has earned itself a No Skip Album award! It’s always cold inside the Icehouse, but this record will be forever red-hot.
From the opening self titled track Icehouse, the record sets the tone for what is to come. It is one of the most immersive beginnings to a record you will ever hear. It pulls you in right away to this eerie and cold soundscape and it is an experience I forever wish I could feel again for the first time.
The whole first half of the record is standout after standout. Infectious melodies, driving rhythms, catchy and memorable hooks are all embedded in songs like We Can Get Together, Sister, Walls and Fatman. The latter having a great driving, bluesy bass line combined with top tier new wave synth hooks. These songs remain fan favorites to this day, thanks to their energetic pace, soaring choruses, and memorable guitar riffs.
The back half of the album is just ever so slightly weaker in comparison to the start of the album, but that is only because Icehouse starts off so strong. Boulevarde, Skin and the eerie instrumental Bonus Track Paradise Lost are all unbelievably great songs that deserve just as much attention as the more commercially accessible start of the album. When I say weaker, I don’t mean bad or skippable. Not even close. Don’t you dare skip! We are watching you.
The 30th Anniversary record comes with Bonus Tracks and 19 Live tracks. The Live tracks are filled with nothing but energy and excitement and it is fun to listen to how this band translates their studio recordings to the live medium. What a time it must’ve been to be at an early Icehouse concert.
Icehouse is a fantastic debut record that showcases the band's sound and establishes them as a force to be reckoned with in the Australian music scene. The record’s mix of post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop elements create a unique sound that sets band apart from other bands of the 1980s. If you're a fan of 80s music or looking for a great introduction to early New Wave, then this record is a fantastic place to start.
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Highlight Song:
Icehouse
Walls
Boulevarde
Sister
Fatman
We Can Get Together
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Not question this album is worth owning. It is a fantastic post-punk new wave synth NSA album that deserves to be played in its entirety over and over and over again. If this is a genre you like or can get down with, then this is a record you must have.
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
