The Darkened Room

Izz (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Doone Records
• ASIN: B002RS01OI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,008 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a well-crafted, thoughtful rocker, December 5, 2009

By 

Lou Weiss (rye brook, new york, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Darkened Room (Audio CD)

There are chops a'plenty on this nicely-produced disc; the band skates over interesting time changes in a very musical way (as opposed to the 'look at what we can do' feel that some other bands have when they play outside of 4:4#). Think Yes or Genesis for the sounds and sensibilites, though IZZ's lyrics run a tad darker than that--even when contrasted, nicely, with major chord vocal harmonies, as in "Ticking Away."

The vocals are out in front where they should be, and the engineering is absolutely terrific. The instrumental "Day of Innocence" is lovely, and a slightly-surprisng, though pleasant, departure from the rest of the album. As the previous reviewer said, the more you listen to this album, the more you'll love it.

On my first few listens, what I appreciated the most was the technical skills of both the players and the sound guy--after that, I simply abandoned myself to the music (as you will also), sang at the top of my lungs, and played the steering-wheel-drums like the 40-year-old teenager that I am. Give IZZ a try, you won't be diappointed.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Their best yet, December 2, 2009

By 

WillieB - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Darkened Room (Audio CD)

It's hard to describe the music of Izz. One minute they can sound like The Beatles with great melody and vocal harmonies, the next minute they can bust out into some killer instrumental breaks with stellar playing, but most of the time they have their own sound. I liked this disc right off the bat, but the more I listen the better it gets. Everything about this disc is quality - the musicians, the vocals, the production, the songs.

This disc is the first part of a two-disc conceptual project that supposedly has a central theme. I'm not sure what it's about (if anyone does - leave a comment please), but I do know I'm really digging the music. If you've never heard this band this is the perfect beginning, if you're a fan pick this up and enjoy!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Steady Improvement, April 7, 2010

By 

Kurt Harding "bon vivant" (Boerne TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Darkened Room (Audio CD)

While I own the last couple of outings by Izz, until now I've been a half-hearted fan. But The Darkened Room shows steady improvement on many fronts: harmonically, lyrically, and instrumentally. This has turned out to be one of those albums that grow on you the more chances you give it.
Check out both the great guitar work and the drumming on Swallow Our Pride. Thrill to the strong percussion on Day of Innocence. Dig the excellent prog of Stumbling. Be mesmerized by the Porcupine Tree-like harmonies that open 23 Minutes of Tragedy and be floored by its searing guitar work. And finally, relax to the soaring Can't Feel the Earth Part III with its virtuoso keyboard wizardry. Now I don't like everything on this CD, Ticking Away simply does nothing for me. But overall, The Darkened Room has been and will be a frequent pleasure.
The CD comes housed in a standard jewel case and is accompanied by an insert containing a few pictures, album and band info, and most importantly, the lyrics. If you haven't heard Izz yet, I can't think of a better way to discover them than to get The Darkened Room. If you love prog, you should love this.