by Rick AndersonAnyone could be forgiven for quickly switching off an album that opens with a couplet like "Betake yourself beyond this way/And pass the roads that meet the sky." But try to be patient; although the lyrics only get worse (here's another random selection: "Absence is my religion/Foray my words do speak"), the voice that delivers them is attractive enough, and Ikon's thick-textured sound is a constant delight. The two guitars jangle and crunch with a pleasing combination of clarity and density, while bassist Dan Molinaro generates much of the melodic interest while staying solidly locked in with drummer David Burns. Singer Chris McCarter has a pleasant voice that is nicely mixed, sometimes close and up front, sometimes slightly distant and echoey in a way that shows off his rich baritone range. On "Stone Frailty" (sigh), he manages to sell a barely interesting melody by virtue of passion and an inspired arrangement; "The Wish" b...