Icarus Phoenix and ying and yangian, tumultuous, beautiful "Anthem" featuring Josaleigh Pollett (Official Video)

 

"Forgetting rent, money all spent, scavenging change so I'm eating..." 


As someone who loves to write about music that moves me and as one who attempts, needs to right songs from time to time, it is the songwriters who right songs full of sadness and ultimately some sort of veiled reticent hope that inspires me and, in some small way, make me feel better, much better for having partaken in their art. Icarus Phoenix, I am finding out is that kind of artist, band, collective, family (whatever they ultimately are). I found my way to them via the charming,  or maybe more to the point, disarming "Anthem" featuring the vocal talents of Josaleigh Pollett and 'heard' through the lens of the Official Video created by Drew Danbury's 12 year old nephew.  

"Anthem" as Danbury shares is "an anthem, to youth. To figuring out life the hard way. To that terrible / awesome time in your early 20's."

It percolates and ascends like an art pop song with tones that (to me) feel like lovely 70's chamber pop. The melody pulls you out of any depression you may be in. The lyrics have a poetic sweep that, well, sweeps you off your feet in a wonderful way. It feels like the pep in your step when somehow the world feels life affirming. 

As I mentioned, "Anthem" served as the introduction to Icarus Phoenix who formed in Missoula, Montana and are comprised of Nick Dorsey, Will Pasternak, Ryan Scott, and Drew Danburry, featuring Jed Jones and Josaleigh Pollett. The track let me to their 2020 self titled album, that might be drawn a bit more avant garde. 

While, this piece I am typing is not an album review, I cannot help but mention the wistful sharply barbed letter-esque "Zero One, for Will Sartain" that is so incredibly grand and writes handwritten questions in my mind that will likely never be answered or the crushing duet driven, semi-murder ballad-esque "El Espanto Humano, for Lynette forever" that pulls at you in an almost 'Wild Horses' meets country classic way or the non verbose, "How Rabbit changed my life, or God is real but not like those billboards on the side of the highway but more like a frequency or a vibration", that is so sad that it can feel, for brief moments, like hugs at a funeral. 

I will get around to the entire album because now I have to. I will do so when I feel stronger as their has been a bit too much sadness in my life as of late but I have the feeling that when I do get around to it that it will move me maybe to tears but that those tears will serve as water to make a big fucking smile bloom. 

-Robb Donker Curtius

  

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Formed in Missoula, Montana. The band is comprised of Nick Dorsey, Will Pasternak, Ryan Scott, and Drew Danburry, featuring Jed Jones and Josaleigh Pollett. Incorporating elements of shoegaze, paisley underground and the classic indie movement. It is both modern and retro, simple and complex, gentle and heavy.

When Drew was forced to move out of state because of the modern housing exodus, the band, true to it's name was re-formed with new members learning the parts. Shows in California, Utah, Idaho and Montana are forthcoming and will be posted here:

https://tourbox.songkick.com/artists/10123296/calendar

Icarus Phoenix is releasing their second album on Sep 10th this year. Leaving the more somber, slow and sad elements for a heavier rock sound.

With new singles and music videos set for each coming month as well. (I'd love to talk about premiering them with you if interested.)

"feels both classic and contemporary" - Connor McInerney (Alt Citizen)

"A minor classic already, it may even become more in time" - Kevin (mp3hugger)

"dreamy and ethereal while also being earnest and grounded" - Shannon Garcia (Ball of Wax)

"songs borne out of anguish, but ultimately offering hope" - Clint West (Americana UK)

"truly something magical" - Paul Michael Zuniga (SLUG Magazine)

"soft and enchanting, radiating warmth" - Nathan Lankford (Austin Town Hall)

"slow and emotive while still being catchy" - Adam Morgan (Surviving the Golden Age)

Icarus Phoenix, indie rock, indie pop, paisley underground, folk indie, modern and retro vibes, California, Utah, Idaho, Montana, "Anthem" , "Icarus Phoenix" album,