The Izzys – Self Titled (Kanine Records, 2004)
Since the blues and country music birthed rock and roll there have been countless invocations of both the parents within the vernacular of rock music. The Izzys proudly carry on this conversation between the past and the very distant past. The self titled full length from The Izzys sounds authentic; it could’ve been released anytime within the last 30 years or so. But it wasn’t. It’s new, which can’t bode well considering the slew of throw back groups that currently transform your local dive bar into a juke joint. But, Mike Storey sings as if there’s something to say, and the production overall on the slab here is pretty warm. The songs are even arranged to bore you with the filler (“Change Your Mind”, the bands version of “Climb” by the Meat Puppets) and then let the good ones jump out and make you feel something deep inside, something akin to satisfaction. Actually, there are moments of groove on each and every track on here, just not continuously throughout. “Stand Up Laughing-Falling Down to Cry” (the bands version of “Dead Flowers” by The Rolling Stones) doesn’t make me what to commit random violent acts but, the just makes me wanna keep moving. The stand out from the New York trio here is “Morning Bells”, which is pushed toward the end of the album to reinvigorate the listener with interest. Each song includes an above average chorus, but there are guitar solos on here while a rhythm guitar chimes chords. And while that sounds less than suspect, there’s only one guitar player in the band (like the Meat Puppets), so live shows may prove to be less entertaining then the recording. But if the Black Crowes regroup, these guys should open up for ‘em and take over the nation.
Tracklisting:
01 – Little Sally Water
02 – Turning Round
03 – Highway Blues
04 – Lonely
05 – Stand Up Laughing-Falling Down To Cry
06 – You Got Me Crying
07 – Strange
08 – Change Your Mind
09 – Morning Bells
10 – Velocity
11 – Dreaming
***As a disclaimer, their newer stuff isn’t up to snuff, but how ‘bout that foresight in the closing line…
