Iconic – ‘II’

(Frontiers Music)

There is something gloriously uncomplicated about a great melodic hard rock record. Give me a big guitar riff, a groove that makes the head nod, a chorus that demands to be sung along with and a vocalist who sounds like they actually believe every word, and I’m a very happy rocker. Iconic’s II understands that formula perfectly, but rather than simply going through the motions, it adds a healthy dose of swagger, attitude and sex appeal to the mix.

This is melodic hard rock with its sleeves rolled up. It has the polish and accessibility you would expect from the genre, but there is also a dirtier, groove-driven rock ‘n roll heart beating underneath the surface. It feels confident without becoming arrogant, slick without becoming sterile and commercial without ever sounding like it has been designed by committee. Most importantly, II knows that sometimes less really is more.

The first thing that grabs me is the groove. There is a wonderfully physical quality to this album, with the rhythms doing as much of the heavy lifting as the guitars and vocals. The songs have movement, bounce and swagger, giving the whole record a loose, confident feel. This isn't melodic rock that simply sits there waiting to be admired; it wants to get you moving. There is a real rock ‘n roll strut running through the album, and it gives the more polished melodic elements considerably more character.

Michael Sweet and Joel Hoekstra’s guitars naturally play a major role, but they are used intelligently. There is plenty of muscle, plenty of crunch and enough melodic flair to keep the traditional hard rock audience happy, yet the riffs never feel unnecessarily overworked. The emphasis is firmly on songwriting and groove rather than instrumental showing off. That restraint is one of II’s biggest strengths. Every part feels designed to serve the song.

And then there is that swagger. You can practically smell the leather jackets and hear the glasses being raised. There is a slightly sleazy, sexy edge to the album which gives it personality. It doesn't go completely down the glam or sleaze route, but there is certainly an attitude lurking beneath the surface. It is the sort of record that sounds equally at home blasting from the speakers of a sports car or providing the soundtrack to a late-night rock ‘n roll bar.

The melodic side of the equation is equally important. For all the grit and attitude, II never loses sight of the fact that memorable hooks are what make a melodic hard rock record stick. The choruses are big, accessible and easy to latch onto, while the arrangements provide enough variation to prevent the album becoming one long exercise in repetition. There is a nice balance between harder-edged moments and more emotionally charged material, allowing the record to breathe rather than relentlessly pounding away at the same tempo.

Vocally, Nathan James’s performances fit the music beautifully. There is power when required, but also enough warmth and character to make the more melodic material work. His delivery contributes considerably to the album's sense of confidence. Nothing feels timid or apologetic. These are performances made to be heard, with enough attitude to cut through the guitars while retaining the melodic quality that is essential to the band's sound.

What I particularly like about II is that it doesn't feel trapped by the expectations of modern melodic rock. There is undoubtedly a polished production behind it, but the heart of the album remains old-school rock ‘n roll. It understands that a song doesn't need a hundred layers of keyboards, orchestration or studio trickery to make an impact. Sometimes all you need is a killer riff, a solid rhythm section, a charismatic vocal and a chorus that gets under the skin.

The production deserves plenty of credit too. Everything has clarity without sacrificing weight, allowing the guitars to retain their punch while the rhythm section provides that essential groove. The album sounds contemporary enough to avoid feeling like a nostalgia trip, yet its influences are worn proudly rather than hidden away. It is classic melodic hard rock given a modern coat of paint.

There are moments when the album could perhaps have benefited from a little more variety, particularly if you're someone who likes your melodic rock to wander into more adventurous territory. But that isn't really what Iconic are attempting here. II is about confidence, hooks, groove and attitude. It knows exactly what it wants to be and, importantly, doesn't apologise for it.

For me, that's the key to the album. II isn't trying to reinvent melodic hard rock; it is trying to remind us why the formula works in the first place. The combination of melody and muscle, commercial accessibility and rock ’n’ roll swagger is a winning one.

‘Cry No More’, a strong opener that immediately establishes the album’s groove-driven approach. The guitars have plenty of bite, while the rhythm section gives everything a confident swagger. There is a great balance between hard rock muscle and melodic accessibility, with a chorus that gives the song its commercial punch.

‘All I Want’, a more straightforward melodic hard rocker with plenty of attitude. The groove is infectious and there is a real sense of movement throughout. The vocals sit nicely above the guitars, while the hook has that instantly accessible quality that makes this kind of rock so enjoyable. A catchy, confident number.

‘Open My Eyes’ brings a slightly more reflective feel without abandoning the album’s hard-rocking character. The melodies are strong and the arrangement allows the vocals to take more of the spotlight. There is plenty of emotion here, but Iconic avoid becoming overly sentimental. Another solid melodic rocker.

‘Tears Keep On Falling’, one of the more emotional moments on the album, with a darker edge running through the melodic hard rock framework. The guitars remain suitably powerful, while the vocal delivery adds plenty of feeling. The chorus provides the big payoff and demonstrates just how well Iconic can combine heart and muscle.

‘Take Me To The Place’, a groove-heavy rocker with plenty of swagger. The rhythm immediately grabs attention and gives the song a loose, almost bluesy rock ‘n roll feel. There is a real sense of fun here, and the melodic hooks keep it firmly within Iconic’s territory. A lively and enjoyable track.

‘S.O.S’, the attitude is turned up another notch here. There is a harder edge to the guitars, but the songwriting remains highly melodic. The chorus is built for audience participation, while the rhythm section keeps everything moving along nicely. It is polished hard rock with plenty of personality.

‘Nothing Left For Me’, a slightly more serious and emotionally charged number. The melodies are particularly effective, with the vocal performance giving the song considerable weight. The arrangement builds nicely around the central hook, creating a satisfying mixture of vulnerability and power.

‘Far Away’, this is where the album’s melodic side really comes forward. There is a sense of longing running through the song, but it never becomes overly heavy or depressing. The guitars provide the necessary lift, while the chorus gives the whole thing a suitably anthemic quality.

‘Valley Of Lost Souls’, a darker, more atmospheric piece that adds welcome variety to the album. The guitars have a weightier quality and the mood is more brooding. Yet the melodic instincts remain firmly intact, ensuring it still feels like an Iconic song rather than a complete departure.

‘Written In The Stars’, a beautifully melodic number with a strong sense of romance and emotion. The arrangement allows the vocals to shine, while the guitars provide a warm foundation. The chorus is memorable without being overblown, making this one of the album’s more immediately appealing moments.

‘Heart Of Stone’, a fitting finale that brings together many of the album’s strongest qualities: groove, melody, attitude and powerful guitars. There is a satisfying sense of finality to it, while the hooks ensure it goes out on a high. A strong closing statement to a very enjoyable melodic hard rock record.

If you like your melodic hard rock with a little grease under its fingernails and a cheeky grin on its face, Iconic have delivered something well worth checking out. II is sexy, groovy, riff-heavy and packed with enough melody to make it instantly approachable. It may not be the most revolutionary record you will hear this year, but sometimes you don't need revolutionary.

Sometimes you just need a damn good rock record with attitude.

8/10

Essential Track – ‘Heart Of Stone’

Review by Woody