New Iona Appreciation Thread

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Being a Christian myself, I sometimes with that they would be more obviously Christian in their lyrics.  But a lot of the lyrics focus on one's relationship with God and God's creation, and that makes up a lot of the beauty of their music, as it has the ambient feel of God's prescence in one's life.  I don't think it's really the Christianity that drives people on this site away from the band, as much as it is that Iona isn't really "prog" in the traditional sense (even though I do think they belong on this site) and don't appeal as much to the demographic on PA.  I still think it would do progheads good to check them out, though, because regardless of the genre, their music is very beautiful.  If more people listened to Iona, the world would be a better place (and I mean exactly what I said, I'm not exaggerating.  I believe that music has the power to influence people's souls and character).

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Ambient Hurricanes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 25 2011 Location: internet Status: Offline Points: 2549	Posted: December 26 2011 at 21:58
	Being a Christian myself, I sometimes with that they would be more obviously Christian in their lyrics. But a lot of the lyrics focus on one's relationship with God and God's creation, and that makes up a lot of the beauty of their music, as it has the ambient feel of God's prescence in one's life. I don't think it's really the Christianity that drives people on this site away from the band, as much as it is that Iona isn't really "prog" in the traditional sense (even though I do think they belong on this site) and don't appeal as much to the demographic on PA. I still think it would do progheads good to check them out, though, because regardless of the genre, their music is very beautiful. If more people listened to Iona, the world would be a better place (and I mean exactly what I said, I'm not exaggerating. I believe that music has the power to influence people's souls and character).

tszirmay Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: August 17 2006 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 6673	Posted: December 26 2011 at 21:13
	Well, some of us at PA have been ardent fans, I have almost all the basic studio releases (Another Realm is on its way) but I believe that the Live in London DVD is the ultimate Iona package. Also Bainbridge's solo album Veil of Giossamer is breathless. Seemingly people still attach importance to its relative Christianity which is a shame , as its not very preachy. They will be touring the States soon, perhaps you can hook up........
	I never post anything anywhere without doing more than basic research, often in depth.

Ambient Hurricanes Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Forum Senior Member Joined: December 25 2011 Location: internet Status: Offline Points: 2549	Posted: December 26 2011 at 19:12
	This has been done before but the thread got locked (inactive for too long, I guess?) so I decided to start a new one. For those who don't know, Iona is a progressive Celtic band from the UK. They are AMAZING and it's appalling that so few people have heard of them. I think they're actually more well known outside prog circles, but not given much attention on this site, which is a shame because they're one of the best bands on PA. Singer Joann Hogg has a stunning and versatile voice, and guitarist Dave Bainbridge is one of the best in the business (check out "Inside My Heart" from the live album Heaven's Bright Sun to get an idea of what I'm talking about). I love the melodic, uplifting style of his playing. I've heard a few albums and I plan to check them all out in the near future (I think they have seven studio albums). Right now my favorite is Heaven's Bright Sun (live); it was my introduction to the band and it's complete audio perfection. Has anyone heard their new album, Another Realm? I want to get it but it's only available in Europe (I live in the US) and I keep myself on a tight budget so I might wait until it's available on this side of the pond (which hopefully will be soon).