Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Give me something true...", January 10, 2005
It's a shame that more people don't know about this band. IZZ has elements of Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Marillion in their music, and the way they combine prog and pop is somewhat similar to Spock's Beard. Despite wearing their influences on their sleeves at times, they have their own unique style and manage to sound retro and modern at the same time. The band is made up of five excellent musicians, and I am especially impressed with the versatile and tasteful guitarist Paul Bremner.
The variety on this disc is impressive. The songs range from raucous instrumentals ("Star Evil Gnoma Su") to moving and beautiful ballads ("Light From Your Eyes"). Much of the music is packed with great instrumental and vocal hooks, like the title track, "Oh, How it's Great!" and "Weak Little Lad." The sweeping "Knight of Nights" is the most Yessy song on the CD. The best track on the album is the epic "Coming Like Light," which seamlessly moves through different moods, from a frantic modern King Crimson-esque middle section to the hypnotic mantra-like vocals of the dramatic finale. The album even contains a rousing Celtic rock track, "The Mists of Dalriada."
Fans of complex prog and catchy pop alike can find something to enjoy on this album. The melodies throughout are very memorable and every song has something interesting to offer.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Many Musical Influences Yet Izz So Original And Addicting, September 20, 2003
By A Customer
The title of this review says it all...influences heard include the long gone Canadian prog outfit, FM; prog pioneers, ELP, Yes and King Crimson; Genesis' only great guitarist, Steve Hackett; a bit of the Celtic-Rock band, Wolfstone; a tad of Spock's Beard or the late, great Kevin Gilbert. They even cleverly incorporate "hip-hop" type beats on some cuts yet they still are decidely progressive in nature. Izz has this irristible sound that one cannot stop listening to. This is a concept album that needs to be heard in its entirety to be fully appreciated but most tracks can stand on their own. Highlights include the spiraling hip-hop influenced "Spinnin' Round" (great opener), the alternative rock, schizophrenically-intense "I Move" (nice acoustic guitar riff with electric guitar overlay - addicting), the space-psychedelic influenced "I Already Know" (guitar works), the urgency of "I Wanna Win" (great bass here!), "Believe", Prog-pop but nicely done (nice harmony vocals, a nod to Laura Meade), the Wolfstone-like "The Mists of Dalriada" (great Celtic-rock sound - love it, makes me wish Izz would consider a Celtic themed album in the future), "Oh, How It's Great" (could have been off FM's "Black Noise" - minus the violin - excellent guitar, bass and keyboard counterpoint), the very proggy "Coming Like Light" (at just over 11 minutes in length it is an excellent blend of all things that make prog music great) and "Light From Your Eyes" (John Wetton-ish ballad, executed with nice melodic electric guitar ending - maybe slightly understated to end such a great effort by this band. Highly recommended for those adventurous souls who enjoy the prog of old but with a very new TwIZZst! I bet you can't spin it just once. `
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUY THIS CD NOW!, July 30, 2003
Few CDs are worth more than 5 stars, but "I Move" does. If you're into music from bands like Porcupine Tree, Spock's Beard, Enchant or Transatlantic, then this one's for you. Every song leaves you looking forward the next. From hard charging to melodic, "I Move" has it all. Few CDs can be replayed over and over without quickly burning you out, but Izz does just the opposite. You finish listening to it and want to play it again. BUY THIS CD NOW!
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