The follow up to 2010’s ‘Reactions’ is the Perth rockers newest album.
Sons Of Rico - singer and guitarist Alex Macrae (the band’s founder), guitarist Chris Callan, bassist Rob Stephens, Brett Murray on the keys and drummer Adam Weston (Birds Of Tokyo). Macrae and Weston wrote the album while Murray lent a hand on track ‘Just My Type’.
‘Against The Grain’ has a great driving chorus and Weston’s beat isn’t what you’d expect from the usual rock song composition. A nod to stadium rock with flavours of Journey, Boston, T-Rex. Album openers usually try and grab you by the neck and stuff the band’s sound down your ears but here Sons Of Rico have gone for a more introspective offering – not going hell for leather allows them to build without giving too much away.
Released at a single in February this year ‘I’m Not Thinkin’ About You’ is a pounding, reverb laden track with Led Zep overtones. Macrae’s vocal soar over the rasping guitars. Nice touches from Stephens’ bass show real talent. Two songs in these guys know how to make a chorus rawk. Yet the break down is a real treat and gives the ending a hooligan punch to the gut.
‘You Don’t Know What You’re Missin’’ probably the strongest track on the album in terms of popularity. Maturity in lyrics, arrangement and overall soundscape stands at opposite to something that could be from any major rock band of the 80s. But there’s a definite modern feel to the production. The lead guitar riffs are measured without trying to sound like instrumental onanism.
‘In My Eyes’ highlights the singing ability of Macrae – if a bit self-indulgent at times. The band take a back seat but when Callan gives his fret board a work out it’s an audiable assault.
‘Get To You’ not the strongest song but the sonic cacophony created and slower tempo is a welcome break from the previous tracks. The rhythm is nice and tight but the guitar solo leaves you wanting more. But it’s nice to hear the lads trying to produce something that’s more than just big hair and spandex rock.
‘Striking Stones’ immediately sounds like a band favourite - every band member working in harmony. Solid rhythm section and guitar licks make for a memorable offering. The final minute sounds like they’ve been producing music for years.
Just when Undercover.fm knows what to expect next ‘Just My Type’ drifts in with an almost ‘Mo Town’ intro before the pulsating rock qualities come back in. The backing singing is a nice angelic variation – the final minute is a joy.
Twice as long as most songs on In Rico Glaciers’ ‘Adjustable Value’ has a darker, reflective feel thanks to Murray’s fingers on the keys. More rock/pop than straight up rock for the first 3 minutes it then takes an edgy feel. Tom Morello-esque guitar break is wedged in before a sweeping sound comes in and has a Guns N’ Roses ballad lead guitar riffing. This is a chameleon of a track – violins wander in and add the fun – that keeps you guessing what’s next.
The effects used ‘Under The Radar’ give a futuristic experience but that simply belies the tune of quick chord changes. Supertramp would be proud of the track until it falls back into modern alt-rock crunching. The slowing of the pace should have been a platform for instrumental vanity but becomes more of a missed opportunity.
The aptly titled ‘Maybe I Should Go’ rounds off the album with a sense of accomplishment. The tribal beats breaks away from the glam rock at the top of the LP; it’s still Sons Of Rico but not as over-the-top. Sublime touches here and there from the six strings; keys and backing vocals give a considered awareness to the overall sound. As the last thing you’ll hear it sticks in your mind, not as radio friendly as earlier tracks on the album but this is Undercover’s favourite by far.
In Rico Glaciers is certainly unique – it’s fun and frantic at times yet features themes of cannibalism, transvestites and unfaithfulness. Generation X-ers may think it sounds like they’ve heard it all before but for everyone younger it’s a pompous experience that really gets attention today. The only thing holding it back is the journey from the first to the second half of the album. Granted stronger tracks should always draw you in but not at the expense of weakening the latter parts of the album.
Produced with the guidance of legendary maestro Magoo ‘In Rico Glaciers’ is out Friday 29 March through Firestarter Music and Inertia.
