MY RIVER FLOWS

I count this album as one of the most remarkably positive first listens I have ever experienced. Each subsequent listen has only endeared it to me. The instrumentation and arrangements range from the simplistic to the heavily amalgamated, keeping this listener's interest throughout the entire affair. The female singing is a delightful boon throughout, augmenting the vocal lines and sounding wonderful in their own right. To wit, this is a must have- what a treat!

"My River Flows" I was not expecting such heavy rock with such distorted vocals, but that's exactly what comes forth in the beginning. With one raised eyebrow I curiously listened to this track, but after only two listens I began to appreciate the complexities of the song. There's a moderately bizarre synthesizer solo and some strange guitar-led sections (almost King Crimson in flavor). The chorus is remarkable, and overall, this is a great song to display the unique sound and talents of the IZZ crew.

"Late Night Salvation" My favorite track on the album, this features a static guitar run with flowing keyboards and jazzy drumming, very similar to "Heart of the Sunrise" by Yes, but sounding nothing at all like it. The vocal sections are steady, almost dreamy and ELO-like. A complex drum solo (given two percussionists involved, I wouldn't be surprised if this was a duet) consumes a couple of minutes of the track, followed by a bright acoustic-led conclusion. The main theme features a sprightly electric guitar, and there's some exquisite synthesizer and a lead guitar solo adding to the prowess of this enthusiastic track- a real progressive rock homerun.

"Rose Colored Lenses" After such amazing work, it's nice to have a more easily digestible track to keep things well-rounded, and that's exactly what happens here. The chorus is pure magic, reminding me of Yes. This track includes some dazzling piano and a fantastic bass solo. The two guitar solos are biting and masterfully executed, and the synthesizer bit that follows adds even more depth to a track that shows exactly what IZZ is capable of in a brief period of less than four minutes.

"Deception" Acoustic guitar is the prominent feature in the beginning of this one, with two of them playing over a bouncy synthesizer. The bass also maintains a dominant role. Over atmospheric sounds and strings, lovely electric guitar and feminine vocals dance. Screaming guitar alongside independent bass and drums develop the piece further before bringing it back to the beginning.

"Crossfire" Haunting harmonies and delicate piano are juxtaposed with happier, bouncing segments, making this an excitedly varied track. The bass, guitar, and synthesizer are woven together, producing a rich tapestry of music in the middle section, which builds until heavier music ensues. The melody and lyrics remind me very much of Echolyn- yet another work of pure brilliance.

"Anything I Can Dream" This shorter song has a vivacious verse and a smooth chorus, creating a fun and easygoing tune. The verses are somewhat similar to Steely Dan, and the chorus is straightforward acoustic rock with a pleasing melody.

"Abby's Song" This graceful, childlike song features acoustic guitar and lovely electric guitar harmonics. It's a playful bit of music with lovely, meaningful lyrics.

"Deafening Silence" The trio of piano, bass, and drums initially makes me think of Renaissance, especially when the female vocals enter. There's quite a bit of variation in this piece, with synthesizer and swelled guitar giving way to organ, which brings in heavy electric guitar, followed by a calm bass solo. One of the main themes is quite similar to "Silently Falling" by Chris Squire. Powerful, womanly vocals are the fore during the first vocal section. One melody, accompanied by a synthesizer lead playing along note for note, is wild and difficult to follow, but seems to work nonetheless. Delicate piano and beautiful layers of feminine vocals almost have a Celtic feeling. Overall, the whole song is a majestic feast of epic proportions, and a stellar way to end a stellar album. Sure the title is unimaginative, but the music is definitely not.