Walk-On Role Reviews
Indie Lanchpad - Walk-On Role November 2006
Rating : 7.5 out of 10
Certainly something a little different. The opening track "Angst"
reminds me vocally of the 1980's Depeche Mode, but musically it has a
strong Radiohead flavor. It's a very in your face track, especially
when compared to the other two tracks, but it has that certain
something, which appeals to my adventurous side.
The second track "R.T.A" has a more mellow side to it and
an interesting sound of trumpet or is it cornet, that pops in
throughout. There's also some very inventive sounds and breaks in this
track, especially about a two minute in, when you get a full drum and
bass style interruption.
The final track "Bit-Part Actor", finds Iodo on the
backfoot, with something a lot more soothing to the ears, in this
lengthy, nigh on 8 minute track. This for me is the better side of the
band and I'd much prefer to hear this kind of sound develop. The music
is relaxed and tranquil, and the vocals compliment it nicely.
Conclusion : A bit of a hodgepodge of tracks, but enjoyable
nonetheless. Worth buying for the last track alone.
- Indie Launchpad
Unpeeled Magazine - Walk-On Role July 2006
Like this, a cool combination of the electronic and the organic.
Fiddly acoustic guitar with shuffling electro beats while proto metal
guitar bursts are either verses or choruses, it doesn't matter, settle
down, you'll need to concentrate on the substantially
different set of sounds that make up the flip, "R.T.A". It's
some grinding n writhing synth trickery on coronet gilded 'Canterbury
Sound' type weirdness with real Steve Hackett style guitar blow-outs.
Obviously, this is a band that doesn't fit any conventional profile
but they are very conveniently great to listen to, so try that.
- Unpeeled
Sandman Magazine - Walk-On Role July 2006
Iodo are a Lincolnshire-based foursome who list laptops and cornet
amongst their main instruments. They've been around for about 3 years,
starting out as twee indie-poppers and turning into slightly noisier
indie-electronicaists. The first track ('Angst') is cut from 'Kid A'
era Radiohead cloth, with its melancholic feel - reminiscent of 'In
Limbo' - and looped clippets of vocals. This is mixed in with louder
bursts of electronic noise and vocals recalling those of pre-lager
lager lager (i.e good) Underworld. Another track sounds like laconic
lo-fi outtakes off the last Broken Social Scene record ('Bit Part
Actor'), but the best track of all is the busy and dynamic 'r.t.a.',
which mixes cornet with guitar and vocal creating a feel not unlike
the early Badly Drawn Boy EPs. Worth a listen, although the Radiohead
influence sticks out a mile on the lead track. This EP is available at
gigs. Check out their myspace for details:
- Craig Wood Sandman
Magazine
Leeds Music Scene - Walk-On Role June 2006
5/10
Sometimes I find an EP that I really want to love. In
the past I've heard great things about this four piece indietronic band,
based in Lincoln. After a brilliant debut mini album, released in 2004
'Try To Be' and another self released second album 'This Is Now' (2005)
everything about this three track EP should have been aural perfection.
The EP even looks perfect on its tiny little CD in its tiny little blue
pocket sleeve.
The first track 'Angst' sounds tailor made for a big scene in an
independent movie without any humour or endearing awkwardness, but it
still fails to impress. This track in particular seemed to drift into
some sort of travelling drama group performance ala League of
Gentlemen's 'Legs Akimbo' with chants of "Why am I here?" and "It
doesn't matter, it doesn't matter settle down." The words just
merely exist as another layer of sound and source of rhythm. Not quite
poppy, not quite moody, there's just not enough feeling, in any
direction it is trying to go, to really make it stick.
The second track 'R.T.A' is a slow, spacey bouncing number, slightly
out of step vocally in places, but runs on in an inoffensive way. The
context of this track has a certain compelling force with strings of
deceptive complexity which is meticulously constructed.
Iodo certainly put their best foot forward with the third tune on the
EP with 'Bit Part Actor.' It is a dreamy track that gently stirs but
never assaults or bangs.
Kips lyrics and vocals reach towards a quiet inexpressible yearning,
but ultimately creates a feeling of relaxation and redemption before
sliding off into a quiet place. In all, there just doesn't seem to be as
much chemistry as with their previous releases, but 'Walk On Role' does
have many nice small moments.
Acoustic guitar is the instrument of choice, but it is backed by pangs
of clicks and purrs, fuzzy electric guitar and bass and programmed
percussion alternated with punchy lap-pop which is then glazed over with
a Hovis sounding cornet, provided by George.
These tunes could stand up as instrumental works alone, but the song
writing will not have you singing in the shower. Iodo's progressions is
readily apparent, so let's hope that it continues along more of a upward
trajectory and creates more of a magical spark to let us know that have
really arrived on the scene.
- Victoria Holdsworth, Leeds
Music Scene
Vanity Project - Walk-On Role July 2006
Iodo go dark and brutal on us with ‘Angst’, as it
falls straight into a blast of shriek guitar and exploratory bass. The
intensity is augmented by the irritated lap-top beats that sneak around
beneath. The discharge soon tempers out to something a touch more
relaxed, classical guitar picking appearing and yet it remains dark and
ominous, even a little robotic – cool and steely. ‘R.T.A.’
sees their trusty cornet return to action, pushing at the wall of
crazed, violent beats. ‘Bit Part Actor’ begins with more calm,
an idle clap beat and a narcoleptic vocal. After a while it takesa slow
instrumental stroll walking arm in arm with the cornet’s
melancholic tone. Another diverse set from the excellent Iodo.
- Skif, Vanity
Project Magazine #18