COLLAPSE THE WAVE

I don't think there has been a change in the IZZ line-up, but to be honest I can't be sure as I cannot find any notification of Anmarie Byrnes leaving the band, and I am sure she has been playing gigs with them recently, but for whatever reason she does not appear on their new album. Her absence is the only difference between the line-up which has been together for some years of Paul Bremner (electric & acoustic guitars), Brian Coralian (electronic & acoustic drums & percussion), Greg DiMiceli (acoustic drums & percussion), John Galgano (bass, electric & acoustic guitars, vocals), Tom Galgano (keyboards, vocals) and Laura Meade (vocals). Yep, two drummers, a few singers and guitarists, this certainly gives the impression of being a prog act even before putting it on the player, and within seconds that knowledge is made concrete.

I sometimes think that IZZ are one of the best kept secrets in Progdom, as although they have been around for quarter of a century, and every album I have heard of theirs is a masterpiece, they are not often mentioned in the top echelon of modern prog bands, and this is just wrong! Interestingly I often see reviews which start with the words 'why have I not come across these guys before now?', so if that applies for you then you need to start listening to them now. Laura can often be found fronting a jazz trio, and on 'There's Hope' she allows her jazz stylings to come through, but for the most part this is Gentle Giant and Yes inspired music which takes us back in time to the Golden Age. There is nothing Neo about this band, they are true symphonic prog through and through, harmony vocals, incredible musicianship, great hooks and a true love of all things prog.

With multiple lead singers, who can all provide stunning harmonisations, it is not surprising we get lengthy passages with the three singing, but there are also plenty of others where the vocals are absent but not missed at all. Take the short instrumental, 'Brethren', where the two drummers show just how much fun they can have when allowed to run riot. The one band they sometimes remind me of who also came out in the last thirty years is Discipline, another act who refuse to conform and take their influences from the same period.

IZZ have produced yet another dynamic and exciting prog album which is melodic, accessible, and just a downright great listen. It has been five years since the last album, let us hope it is not so long to the next one.

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Posted Friday, September 27, 2024 | Review this album | Report (Review #3103799)

One of the best USA prog bands, standing proud alongside the likes of Spocks Beard and Echolyn, they adopted a slightly heavier, crisper style of symphonic prog back in the late 90's and arguably reached their zenith with the much acclaimed release Don't Panic. That particlular album hasn't left my I-pod in the last 5 years or so since it was released! This latest album doesn't seem quite as focused and also lacks the epic of that aforementioned album. Nevertheless this is still an impressive and eclectic album by this collective of brilliant musicians. Songs / Tracks Listing 1. We Are the 3rd (8:31) 2. So Many Voices (1:38) 3. Brace for Impact (4:30) 4. Deep Inside (4:24) 5. Collapse the Wave (7:01) 6. Sometimes Sublime (6:19) 7. There's Hope! (5:02) 8. Brethren (1:01) 9. Not About Me (5:11) 10. Soak Up the Sunlight (5:39) 11. And We Will Go (3:46) Total Time 53:02 Not quite a masterpiece of modern progressive rock music, I would give 4.5 stars , rounded down 4 stars.

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Posted Tuesday, November 12, 2024 | Review this album | Report (Review #3114703)

IZZ, a modern prog band from New York playing their own version of symphonic prog, has been around since the late 90's, but I only heard about them this year. This is their 10th album, and based on how great this is, I can only ask, why have I not heard of this band before now? This is fantastic! Th ... (read more)

Report this review (#3064800) | Posted by BBKron | Friday, July 5, 2024 | Review Permanlink

There is a risk to writing excellent music; that is that the follow-up will not be as earth-shattering and thus disappoint. That is what happened here. If from most bands, Collapse the Wave would be impressive, if for the simple fact that it has no bad moments. But there is no "Don't Panic, ... (read more)

Report this review (#3062160) | Posted by spacechick | Wednesday, June 26, 2024 | Review Permanlink

Absolutely gorgeous album by this great band! I discovered IZZ thanks to this site in 2018 and I my taste for them and their related projects has been growing since them. Now, Collapse the Wave is their brand new album and it is one of the best of their career. Like on the previous album, the ... (read more)

Report this review (#3059717) | Posted by Soul2Create | Friday, June 14, 2024 | Review Permanlink

For years, IZZ has been releasing quality albums. Yet, the music created is constantly evolving and new nuggets are introduced to keep things fresh. They are one of the rare bands that improve with every release. On "Collapse the Wave" IZZ play with an enthusiastic energy to give us w ... (read more)

Report this review (#3058831) | Posted by Grumpyprogfan | Sunday, June 9, 2024 | Review Permanlink

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