Icarus Phoenix is from Baltimore, MD. Its members are Drew Danburry (guitar/vocals), Eli Sims (drums), Leena Rhodes (guitar/vocals/synth), and Brendan Russell (bass). The band originally formed in Missoula, Montana, in 2020 and has had multiple lineups, one of them playing Treefort Music Fest in Boise, ID, in 2021.
Drew Danburry has independently toured and released records since 2002. He’s released over 400 songs on over 20 albums/13 EPs and played 800+ shows worldwide, including 2 Daytrotter sessions, three invitations to Pop Montreal, and 1 to Pygmalion Music Festival. He’s accomplished this long list of achievements almost entirely DIY.
Through the dense textures of their shoegaze influences emerges their touching and personal approach to songwriting as Icarus Phoenix fearlessly pushes the boundaries of indie rock on “The Things You Never Told Me.” The bright guitar tones are juxtaposed with downtrodden vocals and sentimental as the band crafts a stunning indie rock ballad. There are no bells and whistles on this one, just raw emotions delivered over simplistic yet impactful instrumentation, and that simplicity is vital. Lyrics like “I’m not hurt that you don’t want me. What shakes me up is how you lie” could’ve lost their impact over a busier arrangement. Luckily, Icarus Phoenix employed intoxicating instrumental breaks to give the listener a breather from the heavy lyrics while showcasing the band’s undeniable musicianship. “The Things You Never Told Me” is an emotionally grasping piece that lifts the weight off Icarus Phoenix’s shoulders in a honed display of vulnerability and a grasp on their unique approach to indie rock.
