The Icarus Line’s Wildlife is no-nonsense rock-and-roll. Six-note riffs support Joe Cardamone’s classic-sounding lyrics (“Soul Slave,” “King Baby”) with a drug-infused grime. Part of this album could have come out of the ’70s, while the other part out of the sketchy streets of some future apocalypse. It’s seriously raw stuff.

The most likeable quality is the fact that The Icarus Line have been making music together since the late ’90s. This is evident in their ability to compliment each other’s instruments without forcing the music. A lot of bands try to highlight riffs, crazy drum solos, or eccentric frontmen, but The Icarus Line seem to be about a collective effort. By itself, the main riff on “We Sick” might sound like a kid playing the first two notes he put his fingers on, but in the band’s dynamic it’s a compelling layer.

In my opinion, nothing — not a genius producer nor a “Neil Pert” musician — can replace the hours and hours a band puts into perfecting their sound, and The Icarus Line seem to have done that.

Wildlife will disrupt your ears with tact and maturity. Not to say these guys aren’t great musicians, but it’s their musicianship together that really shows through. Wolfmother or Muse fans should give this a listen.

(Roar Scratch Records, 3639 San Fernando Road, Glendale CA 91204)