IZUKAITZ

As befits the Basque location and influences, the work of IZUKAITZ in their debut album seems a cross between Celtic, in the melodies and instrumentation, and world music, especially in the percussion and jazzy colours. It's intriguing and, on paper, promises a unique vision and an essential listen.

I discern lovely flutes, fiddles, melodies, harmonies, pleasantly airy keyboards, and a whiff of prog. A Basque FAIRPORT, PENTANGLE, STEELEYE, and even early HOELDERLIN might be an apt comparison. But it's almost as if we don't speak the same language, which is true, but I mean musically. I don't feel a lot of emotional connection to any of it. It's like a partner who should be the one but just doesn't speak to our soul, and no amount of logic and reasoning can help.

This is all good, but no more, a gently accomplished bland blend of folk done better by others of their ilk. Virtually unknown, only their Basque pedigree qualifies them for larger recognition even as it obfuscates the same. IZUKAITZ might be your cup of tea, but it simply fails to excite me or provide any reason for a return visit.