IZZ – Everlasting Instant (2015)
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I’ve heard about the American band IZZ back in the year of 2009 when they released their new album. I didn’t know at the time, but that album was the first part of a trilogy, which ends with this just released “Everlasting Instant“.
It does not affect if you didn’t heard the previous records, as “Everlasting Instant” stands on its own as fine piece of elaborated prog rock.
IZZ hails from New York, founded by the Galgano brothers: Tom (keyboards, vocals) and John (bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals) whom grew up listening to music together, so it was a natural step for them to join forces as musicians.
Their music can be tagged as neo-prog, but further exposure on “Everlasting Instant” suggested there is something else going on. Some clues might have been the complexity of composition, dual drummers, and full voiced female backing singers (sometimes also taking lead, and would have no problem fronting the band individually).
This is what let to the label of modern symphonic, but they also add some pop, funk and other touches, giving IZZY a unique crossover appeal.
One of the things that I like in IZZ since the beginning is the bass lines that John Galgano brings to their music, always clever. Also, the vocal arrangements are a trademark of the band. It’s quite normal to hear two voices at the same time, sometimes even three, which is a very original feature of the band.
The music in “Everlasting Instant” is always melodic, but not exempt of variation, ranging from minimalism at points and its equally hard progressive aspects.
Sweet melodies flow in tracks such as “Own the Mystery”, finally even jamming approach inclusive of guitar solos and synth excursions backed by a groovy background – the songwriting abilities are simply great here.
At times the band is more explorative as heard on “Start Again”, featuring a delicious, crazy mogg keyboard solo and atmospheric passages.
There’s really interesting solos by Paul Bremner on all songs, and propulsive drumming by Greg DiMiceli – one of the 2 drummers. In fact, the other, called Brian Coralian, is more a percussionist adding colors to the changing rhythms.
“Everlasting Instant” is really, I mean really, prog rock. IZZ plays the kind of true progsters love, plenty of changing time signatures, solos, melodic vocals and articulated rhythm section.
The songwriting and musicianship is truly impressive, as said, in the very traditional progressive rock way – read late ’70s Yes, Rush, etc… there’s even some Alan Parsons Project in track 9 “Illuminata” (a highlight with exquisite pianos).
So if you love the classic sounds of the genre, you need to check IZZ and their very good “Everlasting Instant”. I’m sure this one will be an excellent addition to every well-sorted prog music collection.
Very Recommended.
01 – Own the Mystery
02 – Every Minute
03 – Start Again
04 – If It’s True
05 – The Three Seers
06 – The Everlasting Instant
07 – Keep Away
08 – Can’t Feel the Earth, Pt. IV
09 – Illuminata
10 – Sincerest Life
11 – Like a Straight Line
Tom Galgano – keyboards, lead and backing vocals
John Galgano – bass, guitars, lead and backing vocals
Paul Bremner – electric and acoustic guitar
Greg DiMiceli – drums, percussion
Brian Coralian – electronic and acoustic drums, percussion
Anmarie Byrnes, Laura Meade – lead and backing vocals
BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Everlasting-Instant-Izz/dp/B00UZJVILQ
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