Test Icicles
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Rory Attwell, Sam Mehran |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Test Icicles was a British rock ensemble established in 2004, merging styles such as post-hardcore, dance-punk, and indie rock with influences from dance, hip hop, crossover thrash, and punk. The band was initiated by Rory Attwell and Sam Mehran, soon joined by Dev Hynes, with both Hynes and Mehran being 18 years old at the band's formation. Their recognition largely stems from the subsequent achievements of its members.
History
Attwell, Hynes, and Mehran connected through mutual acquaintances and frequented London nightlife venues like Afterskool. Originally, the group formed under the name Balls alongside Ferry Gouw, who later departed to create Semifinalists. After Gouw relocated to Indonesia, Attwell and Mehran enlisted Hynes and adopted the name Test Icicles—a suggestion credited to Gouw.
Prior to Test Icicles, all three artists had engaged in several brief musical collaborations.
Disbandment
Test Icicles declared their dissolution in February 2006.
On 26 April 2006, they issued Dig Your Own Grave, a parting EP that included remixes, previously unreleased songs, and a DVD containing music videos.
Activities After Test Icicles
Post-breakup, the members explored various individual projects.
Mehran reportedly returned to the United States and was observed working at a record store in New York. In July 2018, he died by suicide at his residence in Hollywood shortly after finishing a solo album. Hynes honored him on Instagram with the message: “Every time I was with you we were 17 again. You were such a gift to this world. The floor has gone and I don’t know where to stand. RIP.”
Members
- Rory Attwell (also known as Raary Deci-hells, Raary Rambert RAT ATT AGG, Rory Brattwell), English (born in London, England) — guitar and vocals
- Sam Mehran (also known as Sam E Danger, Sam E Slaughter), American (born in Miami; lived in Adelaide, Australia, then New York City before moving to England) — vocals and guitar (deceased July 2018)
- Devonté Hynes (also known as Dev Metal, !Ved), English (born in London, England) — guitar, keyboards, and vocals
Touring members
- Adam Bainbridge (also known as DJ Jitset), English (born in Peterborough, England) — DJ
Equipment
- Rory Attwell: Guitars - Wilson Bros. Venture VM-75, Fender '72 Deluxe Telecaster
- Devonté Hynes: Guitars - Squier HH Showmaster (hot pink), Aria II Pro ZZ Deluxe; earlier performances featured a Telecaster replica
- Sam Mehran: Guitars - Les Paul Deluxe copy, Peavey Raptor
Amplifiers - The band members frequently exchanged guitar roles while sharing amps such as a Peavey Valveking 1x12, a compact Trace Elliot combo amp, or a Fender Hot Rod deluxe.
Keyboard - Dev utilized a Korg Microkorg.
Effects - They likely employed an Electro Harmonix WORM modulation pedal for ring modulation effects heard on tracks like "Boa vs. Python." Their use of effects drew comparisons to those used by nu-metal group KoЯn.
Studio albums
- For Screening Purposes Only (released 31 October 2005) reached #69 on UK charts
Singles and EPs
| Year | Title | UK | UK Indie | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | "Boa vs. Python" | 46 | 5 | For Screening Purposes Only |
| "Circle. Square. Triangle" | 25 | 3 | ||
| 2006 | "What's Your Damage" | 31 | 9 | |
| "Boa vs. Python (Grime Remixes)" | - | - | Boa vs. Python (Grime Remixes) | |
| "Totally Re-Fucked" | 133 | - | Totally Re-Fucked | |
| Dig Your Own Grave | - | - |
Demos
- "4 Track Demo" (July 2004)
External links
- Farewell concert review on Sound Generator
- Feature coverage in NME
- "Band of the Day: Test Icicles", Spin, 2 November 2005
- Interview on XFM
Videos
- YouTube - Official music video for Circle Square Triangle
- YouTube - What's Your Damage official video
- PUNKCAST #836 - Test Icicles' debut U.S. performance at Sin-é, New York City, 15 September 2005
- BBC - Session footage and interview with Test Icicles
- YouTube - demon(sic) Insanity Problem official music video