HEAVEN'S BRIGHT SUN

3.5 stars. It's unusual to see a live album rated so low because for the most part it's the band's loyal fans who buy the live records. So I think that means this may not be the best place to start if you want to check out IONA.This live record features songs from their first four studio records. I would describe their sound as very atmospheric with a Celtic flavour.The female vocals and guitar playing really stand out.

Highlights for me are "Treasure" which is an amazing song with sax, flute, guitar and drums providing the gorgeous melody for Joanne's beautiful vocals."Inside My Heart" opens with acoustic guitars and it gently flows as a prayer to God.The guitar solo seems to go on forever, and is worth the price of admission alone."Trilogy" features a lot of sax and synths to begin with, that are taken over by a flute and drum melody, and this continues as synths, sax and guitar lead the way.

On disc 2 I really like "Columcille" a very atmospheric song with flute and synths. I believe uilleann pipes are featured here as well. "Kell's Theme" is a powerful song that is all about the lyrics."When I Survey" is very spacey and atmospheric to begin with before we hear some of the greatest words penned by man, and Joanne's vocals couldn't be better.

This is an extremely talented band that seem to be getting better and better.Check out some of their studio releases I think you will be pleasantly surprised.