Reviewed by Jamie Maxwell

Icon For Hire are a four-piece punk combo from the Midwest whose debut album is already receiving critical acclaim. With a female lead singer, the obvious acts they could be compared to would be Paramore, but the electronic influence evident in some of their tracks is a definite nod to the likes of Linkin Park and others in the nu metal mould. What is most notable, and most commendable, about this album is the sheer force with which singer Ariel delivers her vocals. Sheer energy is also reflected in the guitar lines to make a sound which packs more of a punch than pretty much anything else on the scene. The only slight weak point is "Only A Memory" which just doesn't seem to flow like the rest of the album, but really this is nitpicking. Lyrically there is a real honesty and originality here. Like so many bands, they straddle that fine line of credibility between an honest, edgy statement and an embarrassing copycat act. Only time will tell, but I'm fairly satisfied that Icon For Hire manage the former, and they manage it better than the vast majority of mainstream artists, let alone those in the Christian music scene.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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