IZZ
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IZZ

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"I Move reviewed"

It’s not too often you encounter an album where nearly all the songs are potential hits and all the players are stars. But that’s the case with IZZ, an upstate New York quintet whose sophomore effort, "I Move," is destined to be a classic. Throughout the fifteen tracks here, IZZ meld moments of classic prog with radio-ready pop (contemporary and otherwise) with an effortlessness that will leave young upstarts and seasoned veterans alike taking notice.
Whether highly-infectious grooves (‘Spinnin Round,’ ‘I Move,’ ‘Oh, How It’s Great’), sensitive, atmospheric ballads (the hazy just-past-sunrise atmosphere of ‘I Already Know,’ the late night whisper of ‘All The New,’ and the almost unsettling but wholly nourishing and uplifting ‘Believe’), not to mention blazing traditional prog (‘Star Evil Gnoma Su’) IZZ nail it. While other bands falter with such wide aural palettes to work from, IZZ move seamlessly throughout without the slightest hint of apology for such eclecticism. Of course no apology is necessary and in the hour-plus this disc occupies, you never grow tired or wish for a more unified musical vision, a testament to the band’s prowess and potential.

Conceived, in part, as one continuous composition it would be perilous to argue that there’s any one moment that epitomizes the "I Move" experience. Still, ‘Coming Like Light’ features several that prove worthy contenders: the way the early, Steely Dan-esque moments (established by the fabulous fusion-drenched playing of keyboardist Tom Galgano and guitarist Paul Bremner) give way to a "Red"-era meltdown before resolving into a Floyd-like finale. Fleshed out by John Galgano’s bass lines—rendered with a consistent precision throughout, his playing is often reminiscent of Geddy Lee’s most groove-driven work—and the unobtrusive but nevertheless powerful double percussion attack of Greg DiMiceli and Brian Coralian, the track promises to become one of the band’s signature tunes. Having said that, listeners will no doubt find pleasure in the late-night ballad ‘Another Door,’ the dramatic ‘Knight of Nights’ or ‘The Mists of Dalriada,’ a fists-in-the-air jig that ends far too quickly.

No matter what your favorites wind up being one thing is for sure: you’ll always walk away from this release feeling like you’re in the presence of new masters. Keep an eye on IZZ, they’re bound for great things.

- Jedd Beaudoin


"Ampersand reviewed"

In the world of rock these days there continues to be some kind of artificial strata where some bands seem to be very high profile and others toil away in obscurity. Some bands are always being talked about but others names are rarely uttered. IZZ is a band trying to push their way to the top and they’re doing it in tried and true fashion by creating truly memorable music and looking for every opportunity to perform live. The media kit that came with the latest CD Ampersand contains numerous reports of their live prog festival performances, all proclaiming well-deserved praise.
Ampersand is the third CD release for IZZ and the band’s distinctive sound is immediately identifiable. Their musicianship and in particular vocal style have quickly become trademark identifiers, which to my ears is a very good thing. Included here are eleven tracks, which for lack of a better description are seven tracks that never quite made it on to either of their first two releases, as well as four songs recorded live. The fact that these tracks are so strong is yet another testament to the band’s writing strength. These are the ones that didn’t make it…wow.

The music of IZZ has always struck me as deceptively simple. This is because the melodies are so strong it’s easy to miss what’s going on behind the scenes. While not overly complex, their compositional style does contain many musical twists and turns…a Beatles influence here as in “The Bar Song” or a Celtic influence there as in “Molly’s Jig.” The four live tracks show that IZZ are able to translate their sound in a live environment in fine form as well. Especially on “Star Evil” one of the band’s more complex pieces where there’s almost a Gentle Giant counterpoint going on.

Ampersand is intended to fill that space before the band’s next full-fledged studio recording and as such, it does an admirable job. Unlike some “b-side and rarities” releases, the material here is strong and holds up well with repeated listening. What you get here are a few more great songs anywhere from two to nine minutes that will more than satisfy any IZZ fans craving until that next studio release.
- Jerry Lucky


Discography

Sliver of a Sun
I Move
Ampersand, Volume 1
My River Flows

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

Coming from musical backgrounds as diverse as classical, folk, Celtic, Latin and musical theater, the members of IZZ share a common passion for creating adventerous rock. Influenced by The Beatles, Radiohead and Beethoven, IZZ always tries to break the mold of the traditional pop/rock song. IZZ is a live band whose truly unique playing style and songwriting come alive on stage. Speaking of their album, I Move, one reviewer wrote: "It’s not too often you encounter an album where nearly all the songs are potential hits and all the players are stars. But that’s the case with IZZ, an upstate New York quintet whose sophomore effort, "I Move," is destined to be a classic. Throughout the fifteen tracks here, IZZ meld moments of classic prog with radio-ready pop (contemporary and otherwise) with an effortlessness that will leave young upstarts and seasoned veterans alike taking notice. No matter what your favorites wind up being one thing is for sure: you’ll always walk away from this release feeling like you’re in the presence of new masters. Keep an eye on IZZ, they’re bound for great things. "