Le Stelle- A Voyage Adrift is the third release from Italian sludge/mathcore/psych band Incoming Cerebral Overdrive, and I use those style comparisons loosely because for the most part, these guys are quite unique and hard to categorize. At times the band lurch into riff-heavy arrangements that border on doomy sludge, but then just as quickly snap into complex & frenetic passages that wouldn't sound out of place on a Dillinger Escape Plan album. Toss in some atmosphere and psychedelic keyboard noodling and you have the formula for a very puzzling yet satisfying listening experience. Another thing that sets them apart is the always present lead fuzz bass lines, which are up front and center on tracks such as "Mirzam", "Sirius", "Adhara", and "Polaris", almost to the point of overshadowing the guitar. In many ways, ICO remind a little of early Mastodon with their ability to jump back and forth between heavy sludge, intricate prog/psych, and noisy metal.
For some, the constantly shifting styles might make for an unsettling experience, and there's no doubt that the screaming vocals in Italian will be an acquired taste, but Le Stelle- A Voyage Adrift certainly shows a band who have some imagination, and you have to give them plenty of credit for that.
Track Listing
1. Mirzam 3:17
2. Sirius 4:16
3. Betelgeuse 4:37
4. Kochab 5:10
5. Adhara 3:41
6. Pherkad 4:48
7. Sirius B 2:42
8. Polaris 3:19
9. Bellatrix 3:15
10. Rigel 10:50