Izz have really developed into a consistent modern prog outfit. It seems like everything they touch is magic. This album is no exception. In fact, it's likely to make my "best of 2024" list. Their sound deftly combines modern and vintage prog sounds with fusion and more to create something that feels both fresh and familiar. They also make great use of multiple vocalists. You just don't get much better than Izz when it comes to 21st century progressive rock.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024 Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.
Track by Track Review
We Are the 3rd It feels like we're dropped right in as they take off into a killer prog jam. The sound is modern and classic at the same time. There are Yesish angles and some things that feel closer to fusion along with many other leanings as this works through some changes. It drops down to a mellower motif for the entrance of the vocals. I like the usage of both male and female vocals on this track. The changes and powerhouse jamming all work great, too. It really builds to a powerful closing.
So Many Voices
Classical piano brings this shorter number into being. Vocals come over the top in a balladic way. It builds upward to some degree, but never really fills out or gets that rocking before it's done.
Brace for Impact
The fast-paced prog jam that gets this going makes me think of both Genesis and ELP to some degree. A shift around the two-minute mark gives us something a little off-kilter and somewhat Primus-like. The track moves out from there through more killer prog modes and sounds. This number keeps shifting and changing. It's quite an intriguing piece of music that is also compelling.
Deep Inside
A mellower cut, this has some great acoustic guitar work. It's more of a folk prog number in a lot of ways.
Collapse the Wave
This comes in with some powerhouse jamming that feels like a combination of progressive rock and fusion jamming. There is a real ELP vibe at times, but there are also some Yesish things along with other less trademark sounds. There are some particularly effective movements built into this thing. It's a real winner that isamong the best of the disc. That makes it a great choice for the honor of being the title track.
Sometimes Sublime
More on the sedate side, this is decidedly progressive rock based. It is more of a balladic piece. It's packed full of magic and style. It eventually grows into more of a driving prog rocking jam that is very cool. That reaches a peak, and then drops away for a short, extremely mellow section.
There's Hope!
The opening jam here has some serious jazz in the mix. It has some crazed fusion at its heart as it continues. That gives way to more of a mainstream rock meets prog and jazz movement for the entrance of the vocals. This is intriguing and unexpected. It also drops to some mellower melodic stuff later.
Brethren
At just over a minute long, the first half of this is a drum solo Other instruments jump in with a frantic prog fusion jam. The drums are alone again at the end.
Not About Me
This is quite a ride. It's got plenty of fusion and driving prog in the mix. Piano brings it in and vocals come in with that backdrop. It keeps building and evolving as it works along the road. It's a real winner. Then again, that applies to everything here.
Soak Up the Sunlight
Melodic prog with hints of fusion in the mix is on the menu here. This is another classy tune. The vocal arrangement is cool with its multiple layers.
And We Will Go
This powerhouse track has so much classic prog goodness built into it. It's fast-paced and very classy. I love the almost stuttering section so much. This also has some killer keyboard and guitar jamming built into it. It's one of the highlights of the set, making for a particularly strong ending to the album, even with the tune's abrupt stop.
You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.
