Armed with only the knowledge that 'Dancing is Easy' is made by two brothers with something of a Fab Four fixation and you might begin to wonder whether ICONS OF ELEGANCE are actually the Gallaghers with their differences patched up – or at least collaborating on new material under a pseudonym.
However, closer inspection of brothers Anssi and Henri Vaxby reveals that they hail from Helsinki rather than, er, Burnage and seem to indulge in rather less wibbling rivalry. In public at least. Their name Icons of Elegance is a Salvador Dali reference and they have already laid down two albums, 'Ether Talk' (2004) and 2006's 'Through the Broken Window'. Their third, 'Dancing is Easy' has actually been doing the rounds in Scandinavia for a while, but – thanks to some nifty licensing from the Dinner with Daisy label – is finally breathing UK air at last.
Its' melodic contents suggest this is a very good thing, for 'Dancing is Easy' is long on lush, lovelorn songs with swoony harmonies, finely layered guitars and the occasional left-field diversion for good measure. It occasionally underachieves – 'Ready When You Are' is a pleasant,but inessential Beatloid two-step, the opening title track is a bit too cutesy in an earnest Jack Penate kinda way and Anssi's voice is far too soft and controlled to carry the otherwise boisterous, Chuck Berry-style rocker 'Norwegian Girl' – but overall there are plenty of reasons to remain cheerful here.
At their best, Icons of Elegance can convince whether rocking out or attempting something much subtler. Songs like 'Shadow of Myself' and the excellent 'Sandra Lee' are sublime power pop outings which more than endorse the Big Star comparisons orbiting the band. 'Touching' is the very epitome of full-on guitar pop brilliance, driven by drummer Harri Alakojola's galloping, Keith Moon-style clatter and the delightful 'Local Library' is a touching, country-folk tribute to a sussed lady librarian (“asked the lady at the counter for some Rock'n'Roll/ she showed me four men crossing the road”) who introduced the Vaxbys to The Beatles and set them on their present course.
|
Elsewhere, the brothers' propensity for unlikely musical touches has a knack for setting up their best moments. 'The Waltz' shares its' title's time signature, but its' floaty organ, baritone guitar and surprise euphonium all conspire to create something quite magical and Blur-like. 'Sigh My Heart', superficially at least, seems like more traditional 'Rubber Soul'-style fare, but with the compressed vocal, weedy stabs of synth and warm organ melding with undeniable harmonies, it's ultimately pretty special on its' own terms. Perhaps best of all, though, is the epic final track 'Through Here', where a lonely, exile-in-London lyric (“long walks in Limehouse, pretend the river was the sea/ slowly trickling, back it came to me”) is married to a tune veering from acoustic reverie to burning, electric guitar gale. Its' shifting focus is truly striking and it's a great statement of artistic intent to sign off with.
Blessed with superior harmonic prowess, an ability to keep their eye on the melodic prize and unafraid of the occasional wander off the beaten track, Icons of Elegance are pop classicists worthy of your respect. Take a graceful trip around the dancefloor with them as soon as you can.
|
