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: : My River
Flows : :
My River Flows is the
third album of music from this New York based band and it represents
their most cohesive and impressive effort to date. I had the pleasure of
seeing IZZ live at the 2004 Rosfest, where the audience that day was
treated to an exceptional performance that was rewarded by a crowd
reaction equal to the most enthusiastic of any at the festival. It was
with keen anticipation that I looked forward to hearing their new
offering. I will tell you up front that I was not disappointed. Because
IZZ isn’t a household name yet in the progressive arena, I want to share
a snap shot of what I hear in their music. Take pieces of YES, Magenta,
Kino and add dashes of King Crimson and PFM with a 21st century
sensibility to the mix and you get a pretty good idea of what you will
be in for. The composition of this recording, both musically and
lyrically have reached new heights and should satisfy any fan of the
above mentioned musical efforts.The title track, My
River Flows opens with heavy guitar and bass and is nicely accompanied
by excellent percussion that is a hallmark throughout this record.
Vocals on this track are treated to some heavy effects and Bremner
throws in a little Fripp-like guitar via RED. Everything is in place
with excellent production. A heavy bass riff overlaid with guitars and
keyboards providing a fitting way to open this record joins the
excellent vocal mix, along with some nice keyboards. The second track
Late Night Salvation begins with a running guitar joined by tight bass
and drum chops. Bremner provides some heavy Hackett on steroids guitar
playing that leads to a piano break that leads to some early YES
sounding guitar riffs and melodic vocals. A couple of soaring guitar
attacks lead into a drum solo that is rarely heard on today’s
progressive recordings. The song closes with keyboards that bring back
memories of PFM, and vocals that provide the first taste of Magenta
sounding lyrics that reappear often on this record. The third track,
Rose Coloured Lenses, provides strong vocals with piano that reminds me
of Kino. Excellent bass and percussion followed by a couple of more
ripping guitar riffs close out this piece. The fourth track, Deception,
is an epic sounding tune in the form of Magenta with beautiful keyboards
and guitar. The closing vocals by Laura are augmented nicely with
punctuating guitar, bass and drumming. The fifth track, Crossfire,
brings back a Kino feel and opens with solid drums and bass followed by
piano, followed by yet another great guitar solo followed by more early
YES sounding guitar and keyboards reminiscent of The YES Album. The next
track, Anything I Can Dream, provides what I think are Beatle inspired
riffs and lyrics. Some nice Harrison sounding guitar and excellent bass
& vocals highlight this song. Track seven, Abby’s Song, opens with
uplifting guitar with some very personal lyrics describing the love of a
parent and a small child. This composition again reminds me of Magenta.
The last track, Deafening Silence, is a twenty plus minute epic that
opens in an ELP Trilogy sort of way. This track brings everything
together including some blues like guitar riffs.
The ladies shine on
vocals and all of the musicians flex their abilities throughout this
piece. It is a beautiful way to close this record. The Galgano brothers
along with diMiceli and Coralian on drums and the amazing Paul Bremner
on guitar provide a wonderful soundstage for the vocals of Tom, John,
Anmarie and Laura. If you haven’t listened to IZZ before, this is an
excellent way to start. I also highly recommend their first CD, I Move.
Bremner is also working on his second solo recording. For this effort,
My River Flows earns from these ears a solid 9 out of 10 stars. Lets
hope IZZ brings this epic sounding music to a live venue soon.
Rating: 9 of 10
Reviewer: John Bianco
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Sliver of a Sun - 1998
I Move - 2002
Ampersand - 2004
My River Flows - 2005
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