IKO

24 hour recording sessions and executive handshakes have been the story of the year for Exeter band ‘IKO’, and in 2010 we look forward to an album release and a return to prominence.

          Things have really taken off for the Devon-based group in 2009, the completion of their 2^nd studio album, a return to live shows and most incredibly having a song featured on hit US television series “Flash Forward”.

           IKO’s previous incarnation, the critically acclaimed ‘Buffseeds’ experienced a certain degree of success in their tenure, but their move into the IKO era in 2004 has seen an evolution and increased maturity in their sound.

          All members, Kieran Scragg, Rob Maxwell, Neil Reed and John Barwood hail from the Exeter area and have graced the local music scene in various different groups.  However, their location hasn’t hampered the growth of the group’s popularity, which stretches far beyond the British Isles.

           Their debut album ‘I Am Zero’ is full of charm, romance and songs that are easily related to by their audience. Stylistically similar to artists such as ‘Coldplay’ and ‘Sigur Ros’, IKO separates itself from the pack with the spine-tingling vocals of front-man Scragg, once described as having ‘the most unique voice in the British music scene’.  Stand out track ‘Hologram’, an ode to the victims of the September 11^th tragedy, attracted well-deserved attention stateside, and has gone a long way to broadening the band’s fan-base.  The forthcoming album, ‘Ludo Says Hi’ was recorded at the much-revered ‘Real World Studios’ with the help of well respected producer Sean Genockey. It shows more edge and highlights the dynamic of the band. This is a record with more attitude and panache, with tracks such as the passionate ‘Animal’, and the anthemic ‘This Room Needs a Priest’,  clearly demonstrate  the band’s talents.

         No strangers to success, the band earned their initial recognition through American television shows such as ‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, so the inclusion of the love ballad ‘Look what you’ve done to me’ on “Flash Forward” would not have come as much of a surprise to their adoring fans.

          2009 saw a strong foundation for the band form, but 2010 is sure to show IKO in an all-together more prominent light.