Icky Blossoms’ debut album killer

Icky Blossoms brought the dance party to Benson on July 3 at the Waiting Room as the crowd grooved and pulsated atop a glitter-coated floor to the bands dramatic, dark, electronic songs.

The Omaha-based band is made up of Sarah Bohling on lead vocals, Derek Presnall on guitar and vocals and Nik Fackler on lead guitar. Formed in 2011, the band is known for their futuristic style of sound with incredible synths, commanding guitars and Bohling’s mesmerizing voice.

The show opened with Nebraska-founded bands, UUVVWWZ and Depressed Buttons. The show was a celebration for Icky Blossoms’ debut release album on Saddle Creek Records. The self-titled album features an array of songs for the electronic dance lover and was produced by Dave Sitek of TV On The Radio.

“Sex to the Devil,” a ballad with mysterious lyrics and jolting beats, got disturbed looks from a few in the crowd. For those who don’t understand the “devil” reference, Bohling isn’t referring to the actual devil in the song, but instead rock ‘n’ roll. “Babes,” the first single off the album, was lauded the “girl-power dance anthem” of the summer by Rolling Stone, and appropriately so, as the crowd moved their feet and swayed their arms through the whole song.

Other boisterous songs on the album include, “Heat Lightning,” “Burn Rubber” and “I Am.” They are upbeat, entertaining and catchy. Bohling pulls the listener in with her entrancing voice, while Presnall contributes strong backup vocals on most of the album except for “I Am,” where Presnall carries the entire song vocally. Presnall also plays guitar for another local band, Tilly and the Wall.

A favorite on the album for me is “Perfect Vision,” a dreamy pop ballad. A video for the song premiered July 11. The video features a couple destroying the inside of a house.

“Part of the fun of living in reality as humans, is manifesting new realities that have never existed before,” the band told Stereogum.com about the video. “‘Perfect Vision’ is an example of that manifestation. A new universe from our imaginations and into yours.”

Overall, Icky Blossoms’ debut self-titled album is strong, sharp and unusual. The euphoric melodies draw you in and keep you there from start to finish. The album is a guaranteed party starter and will grab any dance lover’s attention. The album is available now at the Saddle Creek Shop located downtown at 721 North 14th Street. The band is set to play the Maha Music Festival on Aug. 11. Tickets are $35 and can be found at etix.com.