ICEAGE – You’re Nothing
Album Review

You’re Nothing, the new album by Danish upstarts Iceage is their second offering of dijointed post-punk with nods to  the punk canon in the form of hardcore ferocity of the 80’s and some pop sensibilities of the early 90’s.

New Brigade, the band’s debut  was a big surprise for me as that realm of music’s never appealed to me. Jangely guitars, upbeat and pulsing rhythms, and the right dose of catchy hooks and choruses made New Brigade a surprise favorite of mine. While Iceage retain their core sound, they make You’re Nothing a bit different, a bit denser, and just a bit darker.

Now, don’t go thinking you’re going to hear some rough cut noise rock, or something that’s far and away a different band, instead, You’re Nothing hits a deeper spot in your subconscious, lacking the bludgeoning riffs and vocal lines of New Brigade, replacing them with infectious and deep seeding tracks like “Morals” or “Ecstasy.” “Burning Hand,” similarly, is a winding track that bounces from a heavy metal sounding dirge to an anthemic outburst. Running at 3:23 it’s the longest song on the album, but thankfully, one of the most complete and well structured tracks on the album. Indicative of the new page they’ve turned, Iceage is content to move in more subtle channels and drop a big riff, chorus, or hook at just the right time to wrap the whole thing together.

As I’ve alluded, I miss some of the poppiness/momentum of the first lp, but the darker more visceral approach of You’re Nothing allows it to be more of an enveloping listen, something that definitely grows on you. And, while I like the album, I find myself lost when listening to it. Sometimes I can’t recall the song or what’s gone on as it just seems to bore right through you. This might be my attention span or the diversion from memorable hooks to other things, but it plays a part in my confusion as to whether or not I worship the album, or just like it.

Iceage’s sound is a great mixture of old and new, underground and popular, and the right dose of youthful energy that tends to get lost in younger bands. You’re Nothing has the potential to bridge the gap for many new listeners and for those already hooked, provide sufficient sustenance.