Those of you who read any of my CD review columns will know I have a soft spot in my heart for close vocal harmonies and classic rock. Well, one of the many contacts I have alerted me to a 1980s band that was releasing a new album 22 years later. When I let him know I was interested in hearing it, Nick (at the UK-based Two Side Moon Promotions) let the group know it--they, in turn, contacted me via e-mail.
The end result found a package of the entire Hybrid Ice recording history arriving at my mail box several weeks ago. It included their debut self-titled album from 1982 (released on CD in 2000), their sophomore release — “No Rules” — from 1988 (on CD in 2006), and “Mind’s Eye” which was released in June of this year. I listened to them in the order of their release and was immediately struck by the quality of their bold and brash performance style which is very comparable and compatible with other bands from that time period like Styx and Boston.  I focus on those two bands (and also, to a certain extent, Kiss!) because they seem to be the ones that this five-piece Pennsylvania-based progressive-rock band drew upon for their musical template of five-part harmony, soaring synths, hook-laden guitar licks, and a rock-solid rhythm section. 
“Hybrid Ice” and “No Rules” are wonderfully grounded in that era (complete with lyrics that were the staples of the 80s), so much so that I get nostalgic goosebumps when I put either one of those CDs into my car player or computer (and they have been there almost constantly, too. I also find them reminiscent of the work by the Michael Stanley Band and Breathless. 
Meanwhile, I put off listening to “Mind’s Eye” because I really enjoyed hearing Robert Scott Richardson (keyboards, lead and backing vocals), Rusty Foulke (lead and rhythm guitars, lead and backing vocals), Chris Alburger (rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals), Jeff Willoughby (bass guitar and backing vocals), and Rick Klinger (drums and backing vocals) weave their superb vocal magic with spot-on synthesizers and driving rock ‘n’ roll!  Well, when I finally put their brand new CD in, I was pleased to discover that they’ve retained the close vocals, snazzy electronics, and trademark guitar work but with a modern rock edge that proves they can grow and develop musically (rhythmically, the quintet are much more progressive then earlier material and Robert‘s synth work is tighter and more integrated into the whole sound). The lyrics have also taken a giant leap forward  (as “Fight Another Day” and the epic, 10-minute closer, “Faith Without Works,” readily prove). 
All told, here’s a band that has continued to grow and mature over the years becoming all the better for it. If you have a fondness for intricate vocals, solid prog-rock and the hair bands of 80s you really have to take a look at a band that most of you have probably never heard about (I hadn’t, that’s for sure.) Hybrid Ice is a talented group of fine musicians that really deserve to be heard by a wider audience. 
For more information, visit www.hybridice.net.
 
Lucky Clark is a music journalist celebrating his 40th year of writing this year.  He can be reached at luckyc@megalink.net if you have questions or comments.