Penance Soiree (2004)

Penance Soiree is the second full-length album released by Los Angeles band the Icarus Line. It was one of 2004's most critically acclaimed releases, and its reputation has subsequently earned praise in various publications, including the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Release

Due to infighting with the band's U.S. division of their record label at the time, V2 Records, the album, which was recorded in early 2003, was not released until May 2, 2004. Disagreements and aggravations on the band's end stemmed from the label's general lack of interest and support, a nearly non-existent promotional campaign for the album, and the group's control over its artwork. The U.S. division of the record label did not invest in even one advertisement for the release, and also made the band pay for the production of their music videos out of their own pocket.

The album was produced by Michael Musmanno, and then mixed by Alan Moulder. Moulder also contributed some last minute recording and engineering to the album, while mixing it in London with Aaron North and Joe Cardamone at Eden Studios in west London. The song "On the Lash" was also re-mixed for the album's inclusion by Ken Andrews, due to the band being unhappy with the original mix after returning home. The album was mastered by Howie Weinberg in New York City.

This was the last album by the Icarus Line that featured guitarist Aaron North.

Personnel

• Joe Cardamone – Vocals
• Jeff "The Captain" Watson - Drums
• Don Devore – Bass
• Alvin DeGuzman - Guitar
• Aaron North – Guitar

Guest musicians

Jon Wahl – Saxophone on "White Devil"

"Dirty Lil Louis" – "Pulse"/808 on "Meatmaker"

Production

Produced by: Mike Mussmano and The Icarus Line

Recorded at: Sunset Sound in Hollywood, Platinum Audio in Hollywood, Wet & Dry in Highland Park, Teri Ave. in Torrance, "The Boat" in Silverlake, and Eden Studios in London

Engineered/Recorded by: Mike Mussmano, Francis Miranda, Anthony Ianaro, Chris Reynolds. Alan Moulder, Rick Levy, Danny Kalb, and Aaron North

Mixed by: Alan Moulder; except "On the Lash", mixed by Ken Andrews at Extasy Studio South in Hollywood

• Editing by: Roger Lian
• Mastered by: Howie Weinberg at Masterdisk in New York
• Photography by: Jason Nocito
• Layout by: Matt Sohl

Alternate versions

In the U.S., Buddyhead Records released a double-vinyl LP version of the album. This version features the original mix of "On The Lash" by Alan Moulder, as well as the originally intended album closer, "Hold The Killer Straight".

Alternate versions of the song "Meatmaker" were included on the various formats of the album, depending on which record label/territory it was released.

The Japanese release of the CD is the only version that resembled the band's original vision for the artwork and layout. The concept was to have the album lyrics hidden in the "wings" inside the booklet, which could only be read when a clear red CD tray was held over it. Due to lack of communication with the Japanese label, instead the inserts were printed incorrectly, and the CD tray was clear instead of red.

Vinyl pressing information

Buddyhead released a limited pressing of 500 copies. These double LPs were all pressed on multi-colored, swirled vinyl. Colors included pink, purple, red, grey, green, and red. The track-listing on the LP labels were incorrect on many copies.

The European pressing was released by Sweet Nothing. The double LPs were pressed on black vinyl and packaged in gatefold jackets.