More about: Iceage

Iceage's new song, the imperatively titled ‘Catch It’ has been released with an accompanying video shot in LA, directed by Adam Hashemi. After capturing some angry gnashing behind semi-translucent walls, homespun footage follows the four striding Danes across a barren land. They are in line formation, as if searching for a body, but they never look down. Their gaunt and glazed expressions are unusually convincing and it is refreshing to watch a creation without a trace of the ‘we were just having a laugh’ sentiment frequently offered as a contingency for failure.

The band has pummelled their way into the public consciousness since their formation in 2011 and many still bear the scars as testimony. For the hardcore fans that have had ample time to gather their teeth and bloodstained memorabilia the return of Iceage will be welcome news.

“I went to the concert where Elias played the lead pipe; the others didn’t even tune their guitars” Reads one of many witness accounts. At some of their smaller shows it’s easy to lose the marauding band in a crowd of devout lookalikes. Thankfully their impressive ambition now finds them on a raised stage.

‘Catch it’ is a refined version of Iceage. The melodies are present as always, but scorned and beaten down by wave after wave of noise and bile. The vocals are cold and passionate, the drawling and groaning contained just enough to hold real words whilst the band use their instruments menacingly, but with control, like a well-worn murder weapon. The whole is captured in a new maturity and, coming in at nearly six minutes, there is a grand vision being achieved here.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Iceage are simply smouldering punks. Iceage are saying something important and in a new way. "Catch it, Catch it, Catch it" Rønnenfelt slurs and indeed, the words are spat out as if the world were a litter tray.

Next UK show:
8 May – London, Scala
--
Words: Harris McMillan
Photo: Steve Gullick

More about: Iceage