"This album is quite impressive, and I can speak first hand that it is an excellent entry point for those wanting to explore this music. I know I will be looking into more of their albums if they are [all] as great as this is. The music is top-notch progressive music with non-standard patterns, changing meters and melodies, and complex themes. The vocal harmonies are excellent and spot on. Even when there are no harmonies, the singers are strong enough to carry the lyrics forward. The vocalists are much stronger which works even more to this band's advantage. This album is excellent and is definitely the best symphonic prog album released this year. Definitely recommended to symphonic prog and to all prog lovers.

IZZ is a symphonic prog band from New York founded in 1996 by Tom and John Galgano (yes they are brothers). Over the years, they have received a lot of positive response from critics and fans alike. Since 1999, they have released 9 full length studio albums and a live album. Their 9th studio album is called "Don't Panic" and was released in May of 2019. The line-up hasn't changed much over the years as both Tom (keyboards, vocals, production and mixing) and John (bass, guitars, ukulele, keyboards and vocals) still remain as do Paul Bremner on guitars; Brian Coralian on acoustic and e-drums and Greg DiMiceli on drums and percussion. There are also two other vocalists that joined the band later; Anmarie Byrnes and Laura Meade. "Don't Panic" has 5 tracks and has a total run time of 44 minutes." TC-PA



Essential Track: "18 minute track entitled "42". (Now it is starting to become clear where their inspiration for this album lies especially if you are a Douglas Adams fan). There is a nice build up to a guitar and bass heavy track supported by choral effects on the synth. This has a definite likeness to "Starcastle" and "Yes" with the instrumental beginning, with its cheery keyboards and tricky bass lines, also in the guitar passages and it's symphonic sound and the slight jazz leanings. I'm really liking this sound. Just before 4 minutes, things slow down to a moderate rhythm for a little while, then intensity builds in the synth and bass patterns, then the harmonized female vocals come in followed later by male vocals. The vocal melodies are definitely not the standard verse and chorus pattern, it is non-repetitive, but it is still melodic. After 7 minutes, a guitar-led passage is followed by a synth melody which is developed to that symphonic style. Complex instrumental changes continue with two acoustic guitars playing countermelodies before returning to the original progressive theme and then another guitar solo built on top of that with the nice heavy bass line playing along supported by synths. Vocals are brought back in after 10 minutes. Again, melodies change as needed by the lyrics and male and female vocals are used interchangeably making this music very dynamic and interesting. After 15 minutes, we get a cheery organ solo that later adds a guitar playing along with the same melody and later builds off if it. This is an 18 minute track that just speeds right by because it is so good!" TC-PA



Read the complete review on Prog Archives.

Listen to samples on YouTube and buy the CD from Amazon.com, iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Syn-Phonic Music, Laser CD or wherever great prog music is sold.

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Click on the following link for a complete list of bands that have played for the NewEARS Art Rock Series

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2019-06-18
Tony MacAlpine - The Electric Illusionist Tour at The Middle East - Cambridge, MA at 07:00 PM
With Special Guests Arch Echo
$20 - $35

2019-06-19
Thank You Scientist with Bent Knee at Space Ballroom - Hamden, CT at 08:00 PM
With Special Guests Bent Knee
$16.50 - $20.00

2019-06-20
Thank You Scientist with Bent Knee at The Met - Pawtucket, RI at 08:00 PM
With Special Guests Bent Knee
$15 adv, $18 day of show

2019-06-21
Thank You Scientist with Bent Knee at Port City Music Hall - Portland, ME at 08:00 PM
With Special Guests Bent Knee
$15 adv, $18 day of show

2019-06-21
Geoff Tate's Operation:Mindcrime at Aura - Portland, ME at 08:00 PM
$25 adv, $30 day of show

2019-06-22
Thank You Scientist with Bent Knee at The Palladium - Worcester, MA at 08:00 PM
With Special Guests Bent Knee
$15 - $18

2019-06-22
Let's Go! Author Event & Cars Tribute Concert at 9 Wallis - Beverly, MA at 08:00 PM
$20 - $25

2019-06-22
Geoff Tate's Operation:Mindcrime at Tupelo Music Hall - Derry, NH at 08:00 PM
SOLD OUT

2019-06-23
Geoff Tate's Operation:Mindcrime at The Vault - New Bedford, MA at 08:00 PM
SOLD OUT

2019-06-24
Geoff Tate's Operation:Mindcrime at The Vault - New Bedford, MA at 08:00 PM
$30 - $40

2019-06-29
THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR - YES - ASIA - JOHN LODGE & CARL PALMERS ELP LEGACY at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion - Gilford, NH at 06:00 PM
$28.25 - $145.75

2019-06-30
THE ROYAL AFFAIR TOUR - YES - ASIA - JOHN LODGE & CARL PALMERS ELP LEGACY at Bold Point Park - Providence, RI at 05:30 PM
$29.50 - $200

2019-07-09
King's X at The Vault - New Bedford, MA at 08:00 PM
$33.50 adv, $40 day of show

2019-07-11
King's X at Wally's Pub - Hampton, NH at 08:00 PM
$30

2019-07-12
King's X at Aura - Portland, ME at 08:00 PM
$25 adv, $30 day of show

2019-07-13
King's X at Granite State Music Hall - Laconia, NH at 06:00 PM
$25

All Events ...>>

Tony MacAlpine is widely known as a guitar virtuoso who is just as skilled on the keys. "Edge of Insanity", one of his fourteen solo albums, is still considered as one of the top ten shred guitar albums of all time. Aside from his solo work, Tony has also been part of several rock supergroups including Planet X with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati, PSMS (Portnoy/Sheehan/MacAlpine/Sherinian), as well as the Grammy nominated CAB with bassist Bunny Brunel and drummer Dennis Chambers. MacAlpine also spent seven years playing guitar and keys in Steve Vai‘s touring band.

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