Icterus II
Barnyard, 2025
9/10
A Toronto outfit with a penchant for experimental ideas, stef.in bring us 8 rock songs that are never typical, where each selection runs a lineage entirely different from the previous tune.
“Three Wars” leads and makes an impression thanks to Stefan Hegerat’s fluid drumming that suits Mark Godfrey’s meticulous bass in a post-rock sort of way, and “Here’s To Circle” follows with much attention to mood, as Robyn Gray and Patrick O’Reilly’s guitars help cultivate a mysterious landscape.
“Dosage” and “Juan Soto” reside in the middle. The former emits a cinematic quality thanks to the distinct ambience that builds into free jazz dynamics, while the latter manipulates the guitars with a mesmerizing tonality of abstract rock.
Near the end, “Our Circle” radiates a rare dreaminess via the meticulous interaction between the quartet, and “Leave Unattended And Suffer The Consequences” exits with math-rock sensibilities and plenty of distorted grooves.
A truly unconventional experience, parallels to Don Caballero or Kayo Dot are warranted, as stef.in recruit improv, complex time signatures and iconoclastic riffage that you can’t not admire.
Travels well with: No Hay Banda- Il Teatro Rosso; Nick Storring- Mirante