IZZ, from New York, originates with the Galgano brothers. IZZ has a strong and unique sound that mixes solid grooves with odd rhythms and a powerful vocal style. With musical background as diverse as Rock, Jazz, Funk, Latin Musical Theatre, and Classical, the members of IZZ each bring their own unique approach to the music.
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…
Centered around the 18+ minute epic, 42, Don't Panic bears all the hallmarks of what has made IZZ one of the brightest lights in the US progressive rock scene. The band's 9th studio album reveals a fresh, new energy evidenced immediately by the title track's driving bass and catchy hooks to the unpredictable musical twists of Age of Stars to the instrumental tour-de-force that is Moment of Inertia to the exquisite classical guitar piece, Six String Theory. Don't Panic represents a step out of the ordinary and into the unexpected. The 18 minute-long 42 displays the band in full force as all four vocalists, Anmarie Byrnes, Laura Meade, John Galgano, and Tom Galgano, create melodies and harmonies around the intersecting and connected sections of the piece while guitarist Paul Bremner, and drummers, Greg DiMiceli and Brian Coralian bring the song's powerful, dynamic, and emotional arrangement to life.
Definitely progressive rock in the '70s tradition, this album takes elements of many classic prog bands and combines them into a mix all their own. Yes, Genesis, UK, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, King Crimson, and Renaissance are among the bands who Izz seem to look to for stylistic inspiration. One cut even features a guitar solo that calls to mind Steve Howe's most frantic and inspired work. The band is Tom Gaglano, John Gaglano, Brian Coralian, Greg Dimicela, and Philip Gaita.
IZZ have been around since the 90s, and were founded by American brothers Tom (keyboards, vocals) and John (bass, guitar, keyboards, vocals) Galgano. Over time, the band became known for incorporating different styles into their music, and for combining four vocals: the two brothers, and female vocalists Laura Meade and Anmarie Byrnes). They've been getting more attention since their fourth album "My River Flows" (2005), and released their seventh, "Everlasting Instant" in 2015. From the syncopated rhythms and unpredictable meter changes of "Can’t Feel the Earth, Part IV", to the through-composed nature of "Keep Away", to the uplifting drama of Sincerest Life, the fearlessly modern sound of IZZ continues to surprise at every turn…