Review by Rachel Jablonski
Blood pumping, foot tapping, catchy jumble of industrial pop/rock. Atmospheric and robust, I:scintilla sets the tempo with Optics, the first release on Alfa Matrix for Illinois based band. One of the best approaching electronic rock bands today, I:scintilla diversifies the traditional thumping beats, heavy synth, and edgy guitars of industrial music. Entrancing the listener with predictable engaging rhythms, the miscellany of tone, sound emphasis, electronic mixes, and the lovely, well-incorporated vocal melodies from Brittany Bindrim prove a substantial album.
The album contains many potential dance club hits such as "Havestar," "Ultravioletfly," or "Taken" with booming bass, electronic beats, synth, and catchy melodies. At times a synched workout routine is almost commanded with tracks like "Machine Vision," the majority of which is a kickboxing class’s dream. But it’s the hard rock foundation that sets the appeal. “Salt of Stones” and “Scin” are heavy rock tracks with sharp guitar riffs and catchy choruses. Despite the dark severity of instrumentation, the vocal range of Bindrim accompanies the music well and does not overpower unlike attempts of other female fronted bands that needlessly try to steal the show.
The purely atmospheric interlude “Silhouette” is reminiscent of something the band Battles might compose. A rapidly repeating high-pitched tone over the dark keys and ambiance is entrancing. Further, “Toy Solider” begins with jack-in-the-box sounding music before breaking into electronics. Though the song continues the trend of being dark in tone, it is not one of the better tracks on the album. Losing some of the heaviness, the song is slower in tempo, and the incorporation of too many effects leave the track lacking. But this example is rare. Optics by I:scintilla is a great addition to any industrial pop/rock collection.