IGAYON

"To Go" is the debut concept album from an Israeli band called Igayon, based in Ramat Gan. It was released in the fall of 2010. The band describes their work as a "rock journey through our life experience in the present time and the place we live in. "Igayon" is the Hebrew word for nonsense but can also be translated as an Island of Sense. Living in the neurotic Middle East there is no doubt that some of the vibes in the area flowed into the music." -band bio

This was a really delightful discovery, an album with no stuffy pretentiousness but overflowing with heart and warmth. It's a soft progressive rock somewhere between art rock, symphonic, and folk, and places melody and beauty above any sort of technical flash or attempts to be excessively challenging. While I cannot understand the language my sense is that this band is sharing their life experiences in an intimate and personal way, the music absolutely would suggest that. You can't help but be taken in by the vibe. The lack of flash is not to suggest these folks are not talented, they are. Think of the many soft and pastoral RPI bands and you have an idea what this is like. Softly strummed acoustic guitars with occasional melodic electric leads, lots of piano, keys, and modest but pleasing vocal performances. There is a distinctly retro feel but not because they aspire to mimic the 70s, I think their natural sound just is quite close to those warm vinyl days.

They also use several instances of ambient sound and recorded clips of world leaders and environments. You hears the sounds of families laughing and loving each other, perhaps a holiday dinner of some sort. The ten minute long "Swallows" was a real highlight, very mellow at first and then building tension with strings and heavier guitar, spacey effects, and more strenuous vocals. "Vortex" is heavier still in a more modern rock way, while "Man" goes right back to a very mellow and warm folk oriented vibe. Positively lovely stuff with beautiful male and female vocal harmonizing. "Grow" goes even farther into some experimental places with synthesizers and environmental noises. Overall the album tries different angles for diversity in their sound but frankly I was won over by them most when (I suspect) they were going with their most basic musical instincts. When you have a good sense of melody and an emotional connection, you're mostly there already.

This is a very good first effort for this group and they will be interesting to watch in years to come. The language barrier made getting a sense of their personality difficult for me-but I have the feeling that like most of us, these are young people seeking peace and unity in a crazy world. An interesting PA entry and worth a listen for prog fans who like the softer, pastoral side. 3 1/2 appreciative stars.