Ionia

Lycia | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Projekt Records
• ASIN: B000000BCL
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,864 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The first in a splendid line of albums, May 3, 2000

By 

Micah Newman (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ionia (Audio CD)

Well, maybe not the "first", depending on how you fit "Wake", which was recorded earlier but not released until much later, into the big picture. In any case, _Ionia_ probably serves as the best starting point for becoming acquainted with the vast soundscape of sculpted time and space that is the music of Lycia.

I first got this album purely on my reading of the customary purple-prose description in the Projekt catalog, which made me expect something like Red House Painters, without really having any idea what it was like. So I ordered it in the mail, and once I got it, gave it quite the wrinkle of the nose when the opening peals of the title song poured out of the speakers. I immediately imagined myself turning it in used to my local independent record sore for a quick buck back on my investment, not taking very well to the apparent "gothic" bombast I was presented with. But listening to it the whole way through, I found a couple of songs I liked right away; the grandiose "This Moment," and the closer "Distant Eastern Glare." And as that song faded off to close the album, I began to understand what Lycia is about. Once again, some will dismiss them as "gothic", but that's not really who they are (although "they" in this case was really "he"; as Lycia at this point was actually a one-man band consisting of Mike Vanportfleet). Lycia's music is a very consistent, honest set of subtle emotional landscapes built on yearning, thoughtful, reflective music. Mike's vocals are the most unique thing about Lycia - whispered, husky, and mysterious; simple yet embodying very fully the singular blend of the harsh and the soothing - not unlike life itself - which defines Lycia's music. The vocals may well put you off the first time you hear them, but give it time, as I had to do, and it all makes sense. Lyrically there are certain key words and phrases which pop up repeatedly throughout all of Lycia's songs, enough so that it would be easy to jump on and criticize, but I think the consistency and willingness to stick with variations on a theme works really well for them (as I've mentioned in my other Lycia reviews).

Towards the beginning of the album are the most heavily thematic songs, such as the title song and the archetypal anthem "Desert", then the middle section is thick with sweeping instrumentals, almost like film themes. Then it closes with three extremely good songs that are somewhat more intimate and personal in nature; "Granada" paints a grey watercolor scene of evocative memory and association, "The Realization" is a satisfying, comforting testimony of self-knowledge and acceptance, and then the aforementioned "Distant Eastern Glare" wraps it all up very nicely.

Lycia's appeal is probably a bit esoteric and undoubtedly some people won't "get" it, and I wouldn't fault them for that, but I for one am extremely glad I stumbled across this excellent band.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An American Nightmare, September 11, 2005

By 

T4D30 "Weed is [finally] covering my soul" (Exile, Mexico) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ionia (Audio CD)

The darkest, thickest, deepest & best release of the now defunct duo [in my opinion the best dark-ethereal wave act]. Could anyone give it back from the grave!?!?!
if you aren't sure which PROJEKT title to start with... THIS IS THE ONE!!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars haunting, capturing the desert in song, March 26, 1999

By 

"blue123" (deserted desert) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ionia (Audio CD)

I am a longtime fan of Lycia and I think its high time they were recognized for the beauty they create! This album takes the stark, mysterious desert as a theme throughout most of its songs. Its wonderfully dark and dreamy. Buy it, listen to it, love it. I have never been disappointed with Lycia's work. Try Estrella and Wake as well, hope you like them!