The Icicle Works is an English group formed in 1980 in Liverpool by Ian McNabb, Chris Layhe and Chris Sharrock.
Their first productions date from 1981 with a 6-track demo cassette called "Ascending".
In 1982 their first single "Nirvana" was released, which won a very honorable 15th place in the English Indie Charts.
And it’s a year later in 1983 that they’ll achieve their greatest success with the release of the magnificent “Love is a wonderful color” which will enter the Top15. Extract from their first eponymous album.
Followed by a few "Whisper to a scream (birds fly)" which will make it a good journey in North America.
The years 1984 and 1985 will be lean years despite the release of several well-made singles like "Seven horses" or "Hollow horse".
It was not until 1986 that the group returned to more or less success with titles like "Understanding Jane", "Who do you want for your love" and "Evangeline". All three extracts from the album "If You Want to Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song" which was released in 1987.
In 1988, the album "Blind" was released, of which only one title would be successful, "Little girl lost".
Unfortunately tensions are growing more and more within the group and a last album "Permanent damage" will be released in 1990. Album which will know only a very relative success.
To discover or rediscover.
Discography (among others ...) :
Nirvana 1982
Love is a wonderful colour 1983
Out of season 1984
Whisper to a scream (birds fly) 1984
Hollow horse 1984
Seven horses 1985
When it all comes down 1985
Understanding Jane 1986
Who do you want for your love? 1986
Up here in the north of England 1986
Evangeline 1987
High time 1988
The kiss off 1988
Little girl lost 1988
Here comes trouble 1988
Motorcycle rider 1990
Melanie still hurts 1990
I still want you 1990
Clips :
1982 ... a first title that spins at 200 km/h. The youngsters are in a hurry but watch out for the exit from the first track. It would be a shame anyway ...
1983 ... we find them a year later. Everything has changed, the style, the sound, the inspiration. And this time, it's a real success. Like what it was enough to find the little extra that would make all the difference. HU-GE !
1984 ... the titles are much more successful, the talent is obvious and just waiting to be expressed. The group has become de facto one of the sure values of the English New-Wave
1984 ... yet another track that runs with an open grave ... which does not prevent a certain melodic quality. Unquestionably one of their best opuses !
1984 ... a particularly prolific year, rich in first-rate pieces. The group shows the best of himself and it shows. Above all you can hear it !
1985 ... there are the years 'with' and the years 'without' ... This time we would rather be in the year 'without'. After 2 exceptional years for the group, the latter seems to be marking time ...
1985 ... and yet what he continues to offer is far from unworthy. But it is clear that this year 1985 will not remain as the best side Charts ...
1986 ... they love to alternate soft and crazy songs. This time, it's crazy piece ! It takes your breath away and above all it allows them to get back to the leading pack. Like what, sometimes ...
1986 ... the year 1986 saw an obvious return of inspiration. The result is therefore necessarily up to the task, the proof with this title of more than certain quality !
1986 ... after a succession of boosted titles, the group finally opens a sweet parenthesis with this title. And the least we can say is that they are also good in this area !
1987 ... drive away the natural, it gallops. We suspected that the storm would succeed calm. With them, it's all or nothing as they say !
1988 ... we continue in overspeed, it's really a mania with them. Rarely a group will have produced as many titles boosted at this point !
1988 ... further brutal deceleration to say the least. Not sure that this title remains as their best but in a discography you need everything, it's clear ...
1988 ... they come back a year later appeased, relaxed and deliver one of their best songs to us. Like what, sweet madness sometimes has good ...
1988 ... 4 titles only for this year 1988 and 4 classified titles ! This is called a Grand Cru and not sure that they can repeat the feat in the years to come ...
1990 ... an adventure that ends at the dawn of the 90s and once again in overspeed .... We won't change them, it's clear !
1990 ... a magnificent ballad as a farewell gift, what more could you ask for. The group will have been as good in the boost as in the Intimist, the brand of the Grands as they say !
1990 ... it was obvious that we were not going to end gently on them. They sign their last title here and at the same time their last success. Small success but success anyway !
Wiki :
Greatest Hits :
Discography :