Wading through a sea of thousands of college co-eds in varying states of malty euphoria, I made my way into the wonderful confines of Kafe Kerouac to experience the experimental pop sounds of Hamilton, Ohio’s Icky Romantic.

Comprised of Kaitrin McCoy (vocals/keyboards), Greg Lowery (bass) and Travis McCoy (drums), the trio has a sound that draws you in with their nuanced approach to music that turns pop music on its head. At times sweet and ethereal, they manage to draw out deep-seated emotions from the listener.

Kaitrin McCoy at Kafe Kerouac
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

The extended instrumental opening of Devil’s Arithmetic had a wonderful slow groove, driven by Kaitrin’s keyboards. Although it’s lyrically somewhat melancholy, the best way to describe the song is with the term “bedroom jamz.” Her vocals washed over the sparse audience with sensual emotion.

Segueing into Underground, the wonderful range of Ms. McCoy’s vocals was on full display. It had a sweet despondency that made you sit up and listen intently.

The standout track from their set wafted through the room next, as the funk groove of Decoded wafted through the room. They extended the instrumental section at the mid-point of the song, showcasing each member’s musicianship. The only thing that could have made this song any better would be Kaitrin stepping out with some jaunty flourishes on her keyboards.

Travis McCoy pounding the skins at Kafe Kerouac
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

The lively feel of Cool Cat slowed to an almost grinding bridge, giving the song added emotional weight.

“This is a newer once called Compass,” announced Ms. McCoy, as they launched into the lovely tune. Her floating vocals made me easily imagine sitting in front of a fireplace with a glass of wine in my hand. In a word, it was beautiful.

Lowery kicked the next song off, with a funky bass groove to launch into their cover of the Tears for Fears classic, Head Over Heels. Once again, Kaitrin’s sensual vocals added poignancy to the tune, while Travis and Greg gave their version a more-funky feel than the original.

With Travis and Greg stepping from the stage for a quick break, Ms. McCoy went solo with their new song Part Time. With just her voice and spare keyboard work, she had me feeling reflective as I pondered the wonderful melancholy emotions she evoked.

Greg Lowery makes the “Bass Face” at Kafe Kerouac
(Credit: S Toale / Music in Motion Columbus)

Starting softly, Animals worked its way through our psyche with a velvety sweetness. As Kaitrin sang “The animals inside of you and me,” Lowery was lost in the moment, exhibited by his searing “bass face.” It was a wonderful sight to see.

The ethereal pop musing of the penultimate Loose Lips Sink Ships carried a funk groove from Travis and Greg that perfectly augmented the sweet sensuality of Katrin’s vocals.

With just Ms. McCoy’s keyboards playing, Fantasy began with a slower groove that was eerily reminiscent of Three Dog Night’s “One.” She again showcased her superb vocal range, as she plaintively sang, “Who’s your fantasy?” Lowery’s “bass face” returned, while Travis’ rolls and fills on the skins were amazingly understated, yet fit perfectly.

While they are still working on solidifying their sound, zeroing in on what works for them as a trio, Icky Romantic is a wonderful distraction from the all-too often crazy world around us. I’m looking forward to hearing more from these three in the very near future.

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Setlist

1. Devil’s Arithmetic
2. Underground
3. Decoded
4. Cool Cat
5. Compass
6. Head Over Heels (Tears for Fears cover)
7. Part Time
8. Animals
9. Loose Lips Sink Ships
10. Fantasy

Icky Romantic – Devil’s Arithmetic