Album Review — Iconic

Iconic — Second Skin

Frontiers Records has taken the idea of the supergroup and run with it. It feels like they have come up with every combination possible from the long list of their artist roster. Some have not worked out so well while others have. The one thing that most of the success stories have in common is the buy in from the musicians. When they truly work together and write the songs we’ve seen some really great results. Black Swan’s latest record, Generation Mind, has set the bar so far in my mind.

Enter Iconic.

Iconic started with the idea for Frontiers to showcase Nathan James of Inglorious. The label has paired their singers with bigger name artists in the past with some success and James clearly has the talent to get behind. Michael Sweet had recently worked on a project with Tracii Guns and was up for another round and Joel Hoekstra was in line to work with Sweet. So the three musicians were put together. A rhythm section of former Whitesnake players Tommy Aldridge and Marco Mendoza round out the band.

“Second Skin” starts with a Whitesnake sounding riff and a short guitar solo followed by James on the first two lines. To my surprise, Sweet takes the next two lines and the two take turns throughout the aggressive opener. It’s melodic but plenty heavy and allows both vocalists to shine. A great start.

“Ready For Your Love” has a little more of a bluesy feel to it but still well within the Whitesnake realm. James’ band Inglorious has a similar sound so he’s right at home here. It almost sounds like this one could have been off “Slide It In”.

We get a second dual vocal from James and Sweet on “Second Skin”. The two vocalists work even better here as they both showcase their powerful voices without competing. Another great track.

“All I Need” is less aggressive than the open three tracks but it’s far from a ballad. It features a big hook as James takes center stage. If you haven’t taken the time to check out Inglorious you need to take this opportunity to do so. He’s a fantastic talent that can sing just about anything which he proves on the band’s latest record of all cover songs by female artists.

“Nowhere To Run” was the first single that I heard and it’s another aggressive track with dueling guitar right from the start. Sweet’s voice is so good that you forget what a strong guitar player he is and Hoekstra has proven his chops in Whitesnake, Night Ranger and more. Just a strong hard rock track.

“Worlds Apart” has a very 80s rock sound to it. It’s a power ballad without the cheesiness. I’m very impressed with these songs. This is not a bunch of guys cashing in and showing off. These are some well written tracks that really work.

“All About” is a rocker with a bluesy feel to it that features some really strong guitar work. I don’t know who plays each solo but I wouldn’t be surprised if the twin guitars are switching back and forth.

“This Way” has a little more pop to it with its catchy chorus. In Whitesnake terms, think “Deeper The Love” with a little more pep to it. And more quality guitar work as the guitar solo is alive and well here.

“Let You Go” is another power ballad type of track. I don’t love the term power ballad as it comes with the notion that the song is sappy and that’s not the case here. The guitar solo makes sure of that.

“It Ain’t Over” starts with what sounds like another similar type of track but kicks in for the verse. A really strong chorus gives us one of the better tracks on the record.

The album ends with a very Whitesnake sounding “Enough of Your Love”. James gives prime Coverdale a run for his money with his howling and bluesy delivery.

Nathan James is a star. I have really enjoyed all of the Inglorious records and he vocal talent blew me away on “Heroine”. But this feature role with these impressive musicians should vault him to the top of the hard rock scene. It’s appropriate that as David Coverdale is wrapping up his storied career that a young English frontman has come to take his place among the greats.

I haven’t had as much time as I would like with this record to feel good about a rating but I’m going to be conservative for now until I get a few more listens and leave a little room either way. But I am very impressed with this record and I certainly hope they follow in Black Swan’s footsteps and stick together and make a second record. Because “Second Skin” is an instant classic.

95 out of 100

Track Listing

1. Run (As Fast As You Can) *
2. Ready For Your Love *
3. Second Skin *
4. All I Need *
5. Nowhere To Run
6. Worlds Apart *
7. All About
8. This Way *
9. Let You Go
10. It Ain’t Over *
11. Enough Of Your Love

*Best Songs