MY RIVER FLOWS

This album represents a major leap forward for the band over their previous release "I Move". The album opens up with strong chords reminiscent of "Red"-era King Crimson and delivers absolutely outstanding progressive rock for its entirety. Here we find IZZ straying from the dominant ELP influence that was abundant on their previous work and beginning to really build a unique identity. They incorporate two percussionists and two wonderful female vocalists in addition to the usual guitar/bass/drums/keys for a very rich, full sound. The variety of songwriting ranges from a piano-based, almost pop sound with "Rose Colored Lenses" and "Anything I can Dream" to full blown extended prog tracks like "Late Night Salvation", replete with superb guitar work, drum solos, and keyboards that complement the wonderful lyrical passages. As might be expected, the highlight of this record is the final track "Deafening Silence", a 21 minute suite that is absolutely stunning in its breadth, from the classical sounding piano intro, use of beautiful female vocal harmonies, and atmospheric texture among technically brilliant rock passages. This is one of the best prog rock records of the decade, and this reviewer has no hesitation in awarding in five stars. Based on this album as well as reviews of their recent NearFEST performance, IZZ is most certainly at the vanguard of the American progressive scene, and a band not to be missed and indeed to be watched carefully in the years to come.