SLIVER OF A SUN

IZZ are a NewYork-based band and can be considered as one of the promising hopes of modern progressive rock.The adjectives ''modern'' and ''classic'' seem opposite to each other,but in the case of IZZ that's what they deliver in their debut ''Silver of a sun'' from 1998.Their influences by GENESIS,YES,GENTLE GIANT and E.L.P. are carefully filtrated through the modern sound of rock and,as a result,you can taste an album filled with nice vocal melodies,enough complexity and great arrangements.Some tracks sound like if GENESIS or YES were born in the 90's with elaboarated symphonic orchestration,some others contain complex interplays between guitar/piano/keyboards in the vein of GENTLE GIANT and obscure guitar work reminiscent of ROBERT FRIPP,while there are also some light pop introductions and fusion elements added for good measure.Complexity and accesibility/modern and vintage are nicely ballanced,making ''Silver of a sun'' an easily recommendable release...4 shining stars!