Ichora’s debut EP Veins of Light is an eclectic mix of styles that is unlike anything being played today on terrestrial radio. With tracks ranging from hard rock to near dream-like softer melodies, Australian song writer/self-taught musician Chri has created and album that contains something that has sadly been lacking from the music industry in recent years; originality.
Chi of Ichora is a bit of a one-man show. This vessel of creativity is not just a musician but practically an entire orchestra. Within the entire five track EP of Vein of Lights, Chri plays–and quite well mind you, guitars, piano, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, cello, and probably much much more. Triangle? Possibly. Vocals? Absolutely.
Chri’s vocals are unlike any other. At times they are gritty and perfect for the hard rock scene. Other times they are smoother–reminiscent of the trance-like vocals of RadioHead’s In Rainbows, but with a fair amount of grit thrown in for good measure.
Veins of Light opens with the song “Lunafire.” This track establishes the Ichora’s style perfectly. It begins with the tropes of hard rock.
Chunky guitar: Check.
Dark vibes: Check.
Seems like the makings of pretty descent hard rock track. Then the chorus starts, and introduces some of Ichora’s softer elements. The end result is fantastic and definitively Ichora.
It’s difficult to say which Chri pulls off better–hard rock or rich melodies. On the one hand, tracks like “Haloma” puts Ichora in the same league as such artists as Marilyn Manson, H.I.M., and Mudvayne. If you’re a fan of these artists, you have to listen to this track. It’s dark, gothic, and atmospheric. It’s the kind of song that you’d expect to find on the soundtrack of a horror film, or perhaps played during a movie trailer of a summer blockbuster. If Veins of Light has a main single, Haloma is it.
Despite appearances that Haloma is the standout single off Veins of Light, “Returnity” is my favorite track off of this EP. This song in particular puts me in mind of RadioHead’s In Rainbows. It’s very dream-like and just plain feels effortless. The fact that Chri can so easily switch between the harshness of Haloma to the tranquility of Returnity is a testament to his skills.
My only concern is that some may find this pairing of styles a bit jarring and be turned off by this. I hope this isn’t the case. While I have to admit that Veins of Light feels a bit experimental, it holds lots of promise. According to Chri’s Web site, “Veins Of Light comes from the meaning of ichora, referring to the vast, limitless potential that flows through all of us.” This absolutely applies to Chri. After listening to Veins Of Light, there is no doubt that he is extraordinarily talented. His debut EP is a strong start for his career. Now I’m just waiting for him to release a full-length album that forever changes the music industry. The potential is there.
Reviewed By Zach Daggy
