Collapse The Wave marks the return of New York prog collective IZZ, with their latest full length album, and what a return! They are fiercely innovative, and bold in their widescreen vision. Straight out of the gates, We Are The 3rd storms along in a welter of Yes-like grooves, John Galgano’s bass prominent, jazzy guitar stylings, and rather opaque lyrics:
We are the 3rd in the order of being,
Between 2 and 4, the reverse, we’re careening.
Laura Meade’s passionate vocal delivery makes it all totally believable though, as she begs:
I wanna know what I never knew,
What I never knew
My life is not about me
Can you tell me the truth
What I never knew, I never knew.
Crisp drumming and growly bass lines propel us through an exploration of various existential themes, with striking vocal arrangements, sparkling keyboards and soaring guitar figures. It’s all a bit mystical, but the music is vibrant and exciting. The ascending chord structures give an impression of reaching for something just beyond our grasp, and cleverly leads us on through this lengthy opening piece. It’s a stunning opening track, which gives way to a short but beautiful piano led piece, So Many Voices, a wonderful and gripping interlude until Brace For Impact crashes in, and I don’t think I braced quickly enough. The song has an unusual construction, and like many tracks here, challenges traditional song structures. The chorus has an almost Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band feel, with its awkward time signature and discordant sound. It is so weird it’s riveting, and over far too soon.
The mood then changes completely for a gorgeous ballad, Deep Inside, beautifully sung by Laura, which is oddly reminiscent of Steven Wilson with its melancholy atmosphere.
I don’t know what I’m feeling now
But I feel I’m drowning deep inside.
A memorable guitar motif is repeated on synth, and an orchestral backing builds the tension to its climax. A truly beautiful performance. The title track though breaks this spell with its jazzy intro, with stellar guitar from Paul Bremner, and Latin sounding percussion courtesy of Brian Coralian and Greg DiMiceli. It is a triumph that IZZ can encompass so many styles, and even make up their own, yet still sound undeniably themselves. Collapse The Wave is a joyful and exuberant song, and typical IZZ. Another achingly beautiful ballad follows, Sometimes Sublime, again sung by Laura Meade. Over some lovely acoustic guitar and synth she weaves her magic, before piano, bass and guitar join, and we build to a devastating guitar solo from Bremner as drums bolster the backing. Tom Galgano plays some very tasty piano, but it is all but drowned out by the incendiary guitar. It’s another fantastic song – there really is no filler on this album.
There’s Hope! is another oddball song, showing the band’s sense of humour whilst making a serious point about our consumerist society.
Do I have what I need?
Do I need what I have?
To simply live a life.
It’s musically quirky, and lyrically repeats themes and ideas around ego and identity raised elsewhere on the album. The recurring themes help with the cohesion of the album, elevating it from merely a collection of songs. Not About Me ties some of these ideas and themes together, as the three IZZ voices, Tom and John Galgano and Laura Meade trade vocal lines to stunning effect.
Isn’t everyone supposed to be happy?
Pursue it, pursue it, pursue it ‘cause it’s fleeting
If you can’t have it, you’ve lost it.
Soak Up The Sunlight follows, and is a quirky prog jazz workout. It’s almost a prog version of Steely Dan, and is totally infectious in its joyful grooves sprinkled with summery smatterings of synth. This feel continues as the band sign off with And We Will Go, another uptempo riotous finale. And before you know it, they’re gone! You’re left with the feeling of wanting more, and that’s exactly what an album should do – leave you wanting more.
Collapse The Wave is an extraordinary piece of work from an incredibly inventive and imaginative band. I struggle to imagine how it could be improved. The production is full and detailed, the pacing is perfect, and the musical and lyrical themes make for a harmonious whole, with plenty of ideas to be digested and enjoyed. The vocals are strong, and the musicianship is impeccable. This is destined to be near the top of my list of releases of the year, and the competition is strong as we all know. Do give the record a listen, it’s probably their best yet, and you will be rewarded, I can assure you!
TRACK LISTING
01. We Are The 3rd (8:30)
02. So Many Voices (1:48)
03. Brace For Impact (4:29)
04. Deep Inside (4:24)
05. Collapse The Wave (7:00)
06. Sometimes Sublime (6:19)
07. There’s Hope! (5:01)
08. Brethren (1:00)
09. Not About Me (5:11)
10. Soak Up The Sunlight (5:38)
11. And We Will Go (3:44)
Total Time – 53:40
MUSICIANS
Paul Bremner – Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Brian Coralian – Electronic & Acoustic Drums, Percussion
Greg DiMiceli – Acoustic Drums, Percussion
John Galgano – Bass Guitar, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Vocals
Tom Galgano – Keyboards, Vocals
Laura Meade – Vocals
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Date of Release: 11th June 2024
LINKS
IZZ – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | X | Instagram