MY RIVER FLOWS

This CD has been on my portable player for 2 days solid now, and that doesn't happen very often. IZZ have a multitude of influences, perhaps too many for their own good, and so are quite hard to categorise.

The title track sounds a bit like something from Red-era King Crimson with metallic guitar and distorted vocals. The second track "Late Night Salvation" starts off with manic guitar before settling into a groove which is reminiscent of Yes' "Where Will You Be" from "Talk". In the middle the guitarist, Paul Bremner, delivers a scintillating solo a la Lifeson and, unusually for a prog studio album, it features a short drum solo.

"Crossfire" is another excellent song featuring a great solo, only "Anything I can dream" is slightly below average. For me, this CD really hits a height on the beautiful and personal "Abby's Song", which has a very memorable melody and excellent lyrics ("Take my hand and we'll cross the street").

"Deafening Silence" is the epic track here and makes good use of the female singers Laura and AnMarie. Paul Bremner's guitar work is excellent thorughout and it is only obvious through headphones that there are two drummers on occasions.

An excellent album worthy of 4 bands and the band hope to tour the UK later this year. I for one will be going to see them.