IONA

"Iona" is not an easy band to approach. They play almost instrumental music in this album (their debut one). But when their lead vocalist (Joane Hogg) takes the mike, it is pure joy like for most of the prog-folk (?) ladies who are on the vocal command of their respective bands (Heather Findlay for "Mostly Autumn", Rachel Jones for "Karnataka" or Marcela Bovio for "Elfonia" for instance). "Iona" being probably more faithful to this genre than the ones I have mentioned.

The music played is very pleasant although this album sounds more as a soundtrack to my ears than a conventional album. Highlights are difficult to point out. It is more a collection of average songs IMO. Pastoral and spacey moods are the TM for this album. Sometimes, some flat songs as well, like "Iona". If you are in need to sleep, I bet you : this is the one to listen to. Pretty weak. No melody, just a recitation backed up with very, very light piano notes.

This melancholic mood is the biggest problem of this album. Fifty minutes to propose very similar music all the way through. There will be some good sax here and there of which "Trilogy" is by far the best moments of these. Very much space-rock during the intro. The Celtic influences being noticeable a little later. This is my preferred song but I could hardly mention that it is a highlight.

I can't really be over-enthusiastic about this work. Lots of ambient music, at times melodic. Great instrumental breaks are scarce ("Trilogy" holding some of the best of this album).

I guess that depending on your expectations, you might like / dislike this offering. I tend to be more on the down side for this work even if the closing number "Columcille" is a wonderful piece of instrumental music. Two stars.