Iconcrash- Nude

Melding modern, moody alternative electro-rock with slightly experimental sensibilities and post-punk theatricality, Finland's Iconcrash shine on Nude. Mainly the work of sole studio member and producer Jaani Peuhu, the disc contains nearly an hour of impressive and somewhat diverse material spread out across 10 tracks.

Two subtle and somewhat more stylistically experimental electronic tracks introduce the album. Both are sonically interesting with "Chains Around My Heart" being the more captivating of the two, the buildup on its spectacular bridge-like chorus creating anticipation for an energetic release that never comes, or, at least, comes in a form far more subdued than expected. The rest of the album carries on in a somewhat more mainstream fashion, save for, perhaps, the brief ethereal instrumental "St. Michael" and the interesting chord progression of the album's piano ballad, "Her Violence". The lengthy "Concordia" blends steady electronic drums with a synth bass pulse to create a plodding, sensual dance number with a beautiful rock chorus and finale, while "Heaven's Map" is a more streamlined, radio-friendly rock number.

"Ocean" is a definite standout, a powerful ethereal rock dirge forged around synth chime arpeggios, followed by the lovely rock ballad "Swanlike". "The Knife" combines a moody, at times semi-tribal, drum and bass driven foundation with a poppy chorus and jilted anthemic highs before the disc ends on another high note, the danceable "The Lovers" being one of its most powerful and captivating dark rock outings.

With strong production and performances built upon solid songwriting, Iconcrash's Nude is an exceptional foray into moody electro-rock, blending alt rock, industrial, synthpop, trip-hop, shoegazer, and ethereal elements to form a sound that is familiar and intuitive yet unique. It's an album with plenty of mainstream appeal, but also one that's decidedly left of center; a disc that will please moody alternative rock fans but may also hook those with more underground leanings.