Ist, a UK-based eclectic indie-rock band, lost its bassist Mark "Detroit" Robbins on Sunday. Ist lead singer, Kenton Hall posted a short note to his blog today, informing the Journalspace.com community of his passing. He collapsed and died of an apparent heart attack in the Hall's arms. He was 31 years old.

Ironically, Ist launched a grass roots campaign on Journalspace.com last week, that generated a lot of interest, favourable commentary and reviews of the group's debut album, "Freudian Corduroy" from a wide cross section of the Journalspace community.

This reviewer was asked to submit a review of two songs off the album, as participation in a small competition. This reviewer won, along with a few others, and includes the reviews in this post.

Similarly Inclined by Ist Freudian Corduroy

What struck me first about this single is the Caribbean sound. It may not have been intentional, but the it's the brass, the guitar licks, and the phrasing both verbal and instrumental that makes this reviewer harken to home.

The brass, with it's marvellous intonation, could have been taken from some classic calypso tune from the 50s or 60s, maybe even as late as the 70s or some nicely grinding Latin-flavoured business from any era. The guitar licks could be something the Wailer's did in the early days. The combination makes for something interesting I've never heard before. It has both a classical and contemporary feel.

By far, the brass is one of the most interesting aspects of the song, for rarely does one hear such in this kind of music. Being a fan of big brass, I really enjoyed this element the most and particularly liked the vocal pacing and phrasing of the singer.

Speaking of 'kind of music': Being this review was by invite, for a band about to release its debut and from an area I'm not physically located, thus never hearing them play live, I find myself in the difficult task of 'placing' this music. I am happy to report that I cannot. Genre bending music is ever my favourite 'kind of music' and this band certainly bends the tried and true, and steps beyond the formulaic.

page 1 | 2