I don’t think there has been a change in the IZZ line-up, but to be honest I can’t be sure as I cannot find any notification of Anmarie Byrnes leaving the band, and I am sure she has been playing gigs with them recently, but for whatever reason she does not appear on their new album. Her absence is the only difference between the line-up which has been together for some years of Paul Bremner (electric & acoustic guitars), Brian Coralian (electronic & acoustic drums & percussion), Greg DiMiceli (acoustic drums & percussion), John Galgano (bass, electric & acoustic guitars, vocals), Tom Galgano (keyboards, vocals) and Laura Meade (vocals). Yep, two drummers, a few singers and guitarists, this certainly gives the impression of being a prog act even before putting it on the player, and within seconds that knowledge is made concrete.
I sometimes think that IZZ are one of the best kept secrets in Progdom, as although they have been around for quarter of a century, and every album I have heard of theirs is a masterpiece, they are not often mentioned in the top echelon of modern prog bands, and this is just wrong! Interestingly I often see reviews which start with the words “why have I not come across these guys before now?”, so if that applies for you then you need to start listening to them now. Laura can often be found fronting a jazz trio, and on “There’s Hope” she allows her jazz stylings to come through, but for the most part this is Gentle Giant and Yes inspired music which takes us back in time to the Golden Age. There is nothing Neo about this band, they are true symphonic prog through and through, harmony vocals, incredible musicianship, great hooks and a true love of all things prog.
With multiple lead singers, who can all provide stunning harmonisations, it is not surprising we get lengthy passages with the three singing, but there are also plenty of others where the vocals are absent but not missed at all. Take the short instrumental, “Brethren”, where the two drummers show just how much fun they can have when allowed to run riot. The one band they sometimes remind me of who also came out in the last thirty years is Discipline, another act who refuse to conform and take their influences from the same period.
IZZ have produced yet another dynamic and exciting prog album which is melodic, accessible, and just a downright great listen. It has been five years since the last album, let us hope it is not so long to the next one.
