Classic Rock Presents Prog Magazine
Live Review Peel
By Richard Thompson
There's a genuine buzz around IOEarth at the moment and it's easy to see why this Birmingham-based band, led by guitarist Dave Cureton and keyboardist Adam Gough, are gaining such high praise. Tonight's set is dazzling, cultivating a wonderful sound that evokes images of deep oceans and high skies. To say that IOEarth have a unique and expansive sound is an understatement.
Their eclectic sound channels itself through the electrifying delivery of Cureton; his ear-piercing clarity and quality blends the smoulder of Vai and silk of Hackett. In a parallel universe, he would probably be someone like Paul Gilbert throwing big-rock shapes. The fret-work on Light And Shade and The Creation is both breathless and breathtaking respectively.
And as the stage light bends and shimmers off Cureton's guitar during the beautifully crafted and uplifting Storyteller, it indeed mirrors his dexterity as a guitarist. One mustn't forget though the rhythm section and stalwart drumming of Cureton's brother, Richard, or the power of bassist Marc Williams who taper the sound together, particularly on the likes of Sun Is Going Down. Although, it can probably be said, the emphasis is on atmosphere and instrumental during a fair portion of the set, vocalist Claire Malin gracefully enters the stage on cue to deliver a strong vocal when required.
Her presence is as hypnotic as the sound being extracted from Cureton's guitar itself. With long blonde hair, flowing dress and sparkly headband she reminds us of a goddess and throws a silence over the crowd when on stage. Even when she departs, she seems to float. As well as Malin, Luke Shingler steps up to coat the sound sporadically, with flute and saxophone.
The piano and saxophone marriage of Smoky Wood is particularly effective with a jazzy dispersion conjuring up images of a far-off land, of relaxation and atmosphere.
Before that, the balladry, misty-eyed emotion of Come With Me is simply outstanding as it sends a shiver down the spine with an ambient arousal. The meditative spirited Home is another highlight this evening. The engaging and entrancing Harmonix ends an exemplary set. And with the inclusion of two new songs (opener Finest Hour and The Brothers), following in the footsteps of their excellent debut, this is one band to watch out for in the coming weeks and months. IOEarth retains a perfect balance of sound and visual stimulant, of felicity and pleasure to the ear. High Voltage 2011 anyone?
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Musical Discoveries
(31 May 2009)
IOEarth is a rapidly emerging progressive British rock band. Central figures Dave Cureton and Adam Gough have been good friends since they met in school at age twelve. Being two of a very small class of just four music students in their year, they worked together a great deal in composing, arranging and performing pieces for their GCSE coursework. They didn't know that their work would lead to the debut self-titled 2xCD album by IOEarth (IOEarth (UK) 0 094922 187666, 2008). The album has an incredible running time of over an hour and a half. Check out the band's Website and their MySpace for further information and audio streams.
They wrote their first pieces including, "Time ...", "Split Personality" and the horribly bad angst-ridden ballad "Why Do People Have To Die?" But through the good and the bad songs, their writing partnership strengthened and by the time they were 15, they were composing and performing their own music at small local venues with a band made up of their friends and relatives. During rehersals for these gigs in a dimly lit, damp and freezing cold lock-up on an industrial estate in Birmingham, they created some of their best early works such as "As The Mountains Open" and "The Creation."
Many band members came and went through the years, each bringing their own styles and influence to Dave and Adam's work, but the one constant has been Dave's brother and the greatest living drummer from Kingshurt, Birmingham, Richard Cureton. Very often, he has served as a reality check for the founders as they created melodies and riffs that became ridiculously complex within tunes that had started life a simple guitar ballads, but more often than not he ends up playing along on their strange Zappa-esque tangents with just as much vigour as they do.
The band are clearly centered in progressive rock. Sung parts feature both male and female vocalists, and the album is primarily performed by Steve Balsamo. Female singers Claire Malin and Louise Barbbins add both backing harmonies and sing leads as noted within the review. Christian Nokes (bass), Steve Trigg (trumpet), Jason Reyolds (sax) join Richard Cureton (drums and persussion) round out the lineup. Founders Dave Cureton and Adam Gough that play everything else.
Adam and Dave both enjoy music of all kinds. You'll find examples of contemporary rock, commercial pop, classical, jazz and everything in between in their CD collections and they have always enjoyed juxtaposing these supposedly completely different styles in their own compositions. Crossing genres creates the basis for their pieces. Examples can be heard on IOEarth in "Smoky Wood," "Mountains Start To Fall," "Light & Shade" and many others.
The IOEarth album production began in 2004. The idea came when the main melody of one of their tunes became a theme within a small collection of songs they wrote within a short time of each other. The artists explored the idea of creating an entire album based upon this theme and soon had the first set of songs written. They took these ideas to the recording studio where they met Miguel Seco, a very talented musical engineer and producer from Portugal. Within a few weeks, the five tracks had been recorded and they started work on the next set of songs.
The entire concept of IOEarth unfolded before them. The project became divided into three movements. Water, Earth and Air, with each movement having its own theme, while retaining the overall feel of the project. The first movement is the story of people living a care-free existence but longing to see more of the unknown world. The second movement is the story of entrapment; of people held in situations they would do anything to be free from. The third movement is the story of liberation; of the joy gained from freeing yourself of your burdens and of the sacrifices you must make to achieve this.
The first movement (Water) opens with a stunning introduction where new age-style piano and keyboard wash give way to a Louise Barbbins' stunning vocal passage. "Storyteller" is a glorious progressive instrumental with keyboard and guitar dueling through the tempo changes as the melody is established. The first of the movement's standouts is "EEEE" with a male soprano part sung by Dave Curton--what a range! Reminscent of some of the best Cirque du Soleil themes, the upbeat instrumental tempo is offset by wordless vocalise. After an experimental interlude and the other a jazzy instrumental coupled with stunning female vocal parts entitled "Smoky Wood," complete with trumpet solo complete, Steve Balsamo delivers the extended track "Come With Me." Its memorable melody returns in further movements. The movement culminates with a lush cinematic instrumental, that marks its conclusion.
The second movement (Earth) clearly picks up where its predecessor left off, continuing to build in orchestral splendor. Following the instrumental intro, a choir joins the mix. In a vocal part most reminscent of Mostly Autumn's Heather Findlay, Claire Malin delivers the evocative "Mountains Start To Fall," except in the climax where Claire's sonic power is completely overwhelming. The jazzy number "Loops" and lush "Symphony #1" follow. While they are both instrumentally outstanding. The former is while stark, just wonderfully arranged. A heavier sound emerges in "Light & Shade" with electric guitar dominating the mix of the arrangement with a glorious solo.
After a reprise of the album's intro, the movement's standout "Home" appears. This stunning progressive masterpiece sung by Claire Malin is perfectly produced, voice soaring atop the rich multi-dimensional and extremely dynamic arrangement. "The Creation" provides a bridge between the second and the third movements, recounting via powerful and really well-played progressive guitar solos the themes that have been played before it. We especially enjoyed the texture and delivery tribal chants in the breaks. These tracks will be a remarkable to see and hear performed in a live venue.
The third movement (Air) brings the themes from the first two movements into play again. It opens with the stunning "Sun Is Going Down," a crisp and rhythmic piece sung powerfully again by Dave Cureton, entirely reminscent of "EEEE" yet combining the tribal sounds of "The Creation." A interlude featuring Steve Balsamo's Mongolian throat singing provides the bridge to "Harmonix." This part was Steve's first commercial recording. With the electric guitar solo recounting "Light & Shade" and vocals styled from "EEEE" the range of Dave's voice provides a wonderful contrast that works perfectly. The spendorous and very percussive final three minutes of the song is a tremendous tribute to Richard Cureton. Claire's rocking conclusion is wonderful.
Steve Balsamo returns in the heartfelt "Take Me," a gentle, yet richly arranged, memorable and contrasting ballad about a death experience is powerfully delivered. It is certain to appeal to male and female vocalist enthusiasts equally. Multi-layered choruses, Balsamo's voice soaring above the harmonies, add an extra special dimension to the standout piece.
We especially enjoyed the overall album's standout track "Come With Me (Reprise)" sung by Claire Malin. Perhaps prepared originally as an edit, the acoustic guitar-based arrangement has the appeal of Steve Balsamo's wonderful original from the first movement, but the excitement of Claire's evocative solo voice serves to complete the track. An orchestral outro that draws the themes of the album together into a cohesive whole as the perfect bookend concludes the album.
IOEarth have delivered a remarkable first project, clearly charting a course in progressive rock territory. Their forthcoming live performances will expand their following dramatically. *****
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Background Magazine
Online magazine for symphonic & progressive rock (Holland)
Review by: Henri Strik (edited by Peter Willemsen)
I received many CD-releases in 2009, but none of them sounded as impressive as the debut album of IO Earth. This duo consists of Dave Cureton and Adam Cough, two musicians from Birmingham (U.K.). They have been friends since the age of twelve. At the age of fifteen, they first created something together, but this effort was never officially released. However, local music stores sold the album in small quantities. Now, several years later both musicians are more skilled, broadened their musical horizon and together they recorded something special. The info sheet quotes: 'they are both very interested in juxtaposing completely different styles of music and attempting to show their listener that whatever the genres, there is always a common link that can be focused to demonstrate the relationships between them'.
That is exactly what we hear on this excellent album: a blend of different musical styles made by two friends who seemingly write music with their eyes closed. However, they somehow felt that the music needed a theme. Most of the music seemed to cry out for what they called 'a unifying melody'. They started to explore the idea of creating an album based upon a theme related to our planet. Therefore, they divided the project into three movements: Water, Earth and Air. Maybe you think Greenpeace would sponsor this album, but that's not the case. Everything had been completely self-funded. However, after contacting several musical friends, who could help them realizing their dream, they managed to find some great musicians. The biggest name contributing in this project is Steve Balsamo. He once played Jesus in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. He did a great job on the album, but it wouldn't be fair not to mention the other two lead singers Claire Malin and Louise Graggins. They all lifted the music to a higher level. Thank God, they asked Richard Cureton a 'real' drummer, without whom this album would have sound differently. His grooves are strong and made me tap along more than once.
Trumpets and flugel horns are not common instruments in prog rock. The way Steve Trigg plays them, gives the music a jazzy or a fusion feel reminding me of Miles Davis. Apart from some bass guitar and saxophone playing, Dave and Adam played all the other instruments. The guitar solos performed on the album are a real treat for my ears. With the keyboards, they create very strong orchestral sounds. The use of samples sometimes provides an African or an Asian atmosphere. It must have taken Dave and Adam a lot of hard work, time and money to make such a professional sounding album.
It's rather difficult to compare the music of IO Earth to other progressive rock acts. Dave and Adam mention Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd, Yes and Enya as possible references and I can live with these names. The music certainly isn't anyone's cup of tea, but if you like progressive rock blended with elements of opera, world music, fusion, jazz-rock, rock, ambient and classical music you might like this record a lot. As far as I'm concerned, IO Earth made the most impressive album of 2009. Please check out the band's website for more information.
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DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE
www.DPRP.net
IOEarth is the brainchild of Dave Cureton (guitars) and Adam Gough (keyboards) two school friends from the 90's who have worked together on many projects with others over the years, but who always had a dream of working together on something that, quote " was fresh and new - Something that would challenge the ears, hearts and minds of its listeners".
Well in IOEarth they have certainly achieved their goal. Considering that this is a debut, this is an absolutely remarkable album, being a roller-coaster ride of power, melody and emotion, combining rock, classical, opera, dance, ambient and jazz into a unique and dazzling work of huge scope and imagination.
Covering two CD's they have produced over an hour and a half of musical excellence split into 3 movements: - Water, Earth and Air. Via these themes we are taken on a journey encompassing long dynamic guitar led instrumentals with references to Latimer, Oldfield, Gilmour, Satriani, Beck, powerful atmospheric and melodic keyboards, think Vangelis, Wakemen, Reed, haunting ambient electronica and highly evocative and emotional vocals.
The band comprises Dave Cureton, guitar & other instruments. Adam Gough, keyboards & other instruments. Richard Cureton, drums & percussion. Christian Nokes, bass. The musicianship on the album is of the highest quality, all the players proving to masters of their instruments, although to my mind Dave Cureton's guitar is the highlight of the album. The vocals are strong with superb performances by Claire Malin, Louise Braggins and Steve Balsamo of Chimpan A. The production is crisp, clear and powerful and credit should be given to Miguel Seco who engineered, mastered and produced the album.
A new band, a debut work, this is one of the best albums to have come out recently. It is not often you hear a new piece of music and fail to find any points of real criticism. For lovers of inventive, complex, powerful, symphonic music this album is an absolute must. Can't wait for the next one.
Conclusion: 9 out of 10
Ken Truman
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PROGNAUT
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on April 16th, 2010
IO Earth is a brand new progressive rock band from the UK. The core members are Dave Cureton (guitars, etc) and Adam Gough (keyboards etc), who have been friends since the 90's. Joining them are Richard Cureton (drums & percussion), Marc Williams (bass), Claire Malin, Louise Brabbins and Steve Balsamo of Chimpan A (vocals).
IO Earth's self titled 2cd debut is remarkable in that they sound like no one else today. This is probably due to the combination of various genres like rock, classical, opera, electronica, ambient and jazz. There is over an hour and a half of music with absolutely no filler. Every time I listen to this CD, I hear new things.
This is one of those albums that requires an uninterrupted listen and played loud via headphones. I will say it's well worth the time as the self titled debut has an amazing production to it. One song that sticks out on the first disc, to me, is "Come With Me". It reminds me of various female fronted progressive rock especially bands like Chimpan A and Dream Aria (Canada).
The remainder of this debut is packed with amazing sounds and had I heard this back in 2009, it would have surely been one on my top favorites of that year. I would highly recommend fans of both complex and accessible progressive rock, to get a copy of this debut ASAP!
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Sea of Tranquility
Reviewer: Michael Popke
Added: January 5th 2010
In case you haven't heard, the self-titled debut from the UK duo IOEarth was nominated for "Best Debut Record" in Italy's 2009 Prog Awards. That honor recognizes the sheer variety of and ambition behind the music on these two CDs, which spans more than 90 minutes. Dave Cureton and Adam Gough make music that's hard to classify; elements of rock, pop, classical, jazz, world, gospel, techno and prog can be heard amidst influences from Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Devin Townsend, Pink Floyd, Mike Keneally and Sigur Rós.
The album — IOEarth's studio debut — evolved from a main melody Cureton and Gough were working on that became the musical theme for a small collection of songs. Taking that idea, adding a few more musicians and then running with it, the duo divided IOEarth into three movements: "Water," "Earth" and "Air." According to the band's web site, the first movement represents "the story of people living a carefree existence but longing to see more of the unknown world." The second movement is "the story of entrapment, of people held in situations they would do anything to be free from," while the final movement is "the story of liberation, of the joy gained from freeing yourself of your burdens and of the sacrifices you must make to achieve this."
It's difficult to imagine the sacrifices Cureton and Gough went through to achieve a record of this magnitude, as IOEarth is an elaborate, intoxicating and exhausting experience that likely will not resonate deeply until after several listening sessions. Each song is different: Some boast female vocals reminiscent of The Gathering ("Smoky Wood") and others levitate with techno-prog ("Sun Is Going Down"). "Loops" spins with dramatic Middle Eastern swirls that crescendo and then crash into the orchestral "Symphony #1" before finally venturing into metal territory on "Light and Shade" with screaming guitars. Along the way, listeners happen upon strategically placed short and ambient interludes, sometimes with buried vocals.
This is serious, occasionally mind-blowing, stuff. Unfortunately, there's also little wiggle room for the multiple musicians and vocalists. Everything sounds so precise that it's almost as if Cureton and Gough refused to let themselves have fun with this project. Maybe they did have fun, I don't know. But everything about this album — from the music to its artwork and liner notes — reeks of pretentiousness. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing; I'm just sayin'…
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USA PROG MUSIC
IOEarth 8/10
By Eduard Antoniu
Dave Cureton and Adam Gough have known each other for a long time and started writing songs together early. They planned for their debut album about five years ago. They may have accumulated enough material, for it turns out to be a double album debut. This may be a risky undertaking. In their case, however, this may be simplified by the fact that, the first CD is 66 and a half minutes long, whereas the second one is just a 27 and a half minutes long EP. Or, on the contrary, it may get complicated precisely because of this. The material is divided among three movements: "Water", "Earth", "Air". But an old lyric says "Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, world on the scales". So where is "Fire" here? Could this be the promised follow up? If yes, then what will it take? An EP, a CD, or a double album again? This album could have been a very good debut on a single, fully filled, 75-78 minute CD. So what do we have here in the end? An unfinished masterpiece? Or the making of the debut CD, including some possible leftovers?
One would question the need of two "Interludes" (in "Water" and in "Air"); or the need to reprise an "Introduction" (to "Water") in the middle of "Earth"; or the need of an "Opus II" (in "Water") before a "Symphony #1" (in "Earth"); questionable, the need to reprise "Come With Me" (from "Water") in "Air". All these tell of much material that could have been properly organized
or, least.
They would have hoped their album released before Christmas '08. However, it turned out to be one of the earliest releases of this year. One of the strong points of this release is the varied music. Not always necessarily prog, it contains something for several music tastes. It navigates from soft ("Introduction", "Intro: Reprise"), through pop ("Come With Me", "Home", "Sun Is Going Down", "Take Me") and orchestral ("Smoky Wood", "Opus II", "Mountains Start to Fall", "Outro"), to ambient experimental ("Interlude 1"), prog ("Storyteller", "EEEE", "Loops", "Light and Shade", "The Creation", "Harmonix"), and symphonic ("Symphony #1"), which is the best track overall). There's also some leaning towards "world music" ("EEEE", "The Creation", "Interlude #2") and Gregorian chant ("Sun Is Going Down", "Harmonix"). Surprisingly, falsetto vocals are used as well ("EEEE").
Other than that, there are three great vocalists here: Steve Balsamo of Andrew Lloyd Weber fame ("Come With Me", "Interlude #2", "Take Me"), Louise Braggins ("Introduction", "Smoky Wood", "Opus II") and Claire Malin ("Mountains Start to Fall", "Home", "Harmonix", "Come With Me (Reprise)"). Great contributions are also made by Steve Trigg (trumpet on "EEEE" and "The Creation", fluegel horn on "Smoky Wood" and "Loops") and Jason Reynolds (saxophone on "EEEE"). Christian Nokes's bass playing is outstanding ("Loops", "The Creation"), as is the drumming of Dave's brother Richard Cureton ("Loops", "Light and Shade", "Harmonix" to name but a few), who also had some input into the album. The guitar work shines through various styles and approaches throughout the entire release. The hits are "Home" and "Take Me". And the best parts of the album are "Storyteller" and especially "Loops" through "Light and Shade". I would have added "The Creation" too, had a theme in it not reminded me of an electronic masterpiece of thirty plus years ago. Similarly for "Harmonix", with respect to a member of the James Last Orchestra.
Remarkable is also that, there seems to be a plot that sustains the structure of the album. Two lovers swim in a free world ("Water") until one of them is attracted by the promise of a brave new one ("Earth"). The other first begs her not to leave, then he too follows, lured. They find themselves captive in this world. Their daily lives become a nightmare in the new world. Their escape attempt is fatal ("Air") but at least their spirits fly free together again. So then again, where is "Fire" here and will there be a follow up? Also, it sounds like the best music on this album is precisely in that corrupted world called "Earth", not in "Water" or "Air".
This album will be enjoyed by those who like "Adiemus" type of works on one hand, and also by those into symphonic prog rock, on the other hand. Good for the listeners that belong to both categories.
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Classic Rock Society Magazine
issue 171 April/May
IOEarth (Classic Rock Society)
A couple times this issue I have come across use of the flugle horn on an album and it occurs to me that this Is a new dimension that many bands and musicians could make good use of. The instrument is used along side trumpet on an atmospheric album that could be the world of progressive rock's answer to cafe del mar theme them. So many different sounds on one double album where a fusion of classical, progressive and ambient styles come together is nothing new- but this is special.
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TheProgboys
10/10 "Album of the year"
IOEarth `s Dave Cureton and Adam Gough have crafted a ecological progressive masterpiece with their debut double album.
Its running time of over 100 minutes takes you on a journey like no other through three different movements Water,Earth and finally Air.
Impossible to pigeon hole and pin down to a particular progressive genre the creative mix of ambient sounds,traditional instruments,and superbly executed vocals form the backbone to what is dubbed quite rightly the IO sound.
This is a master class in how to use mood and tempo in creating a diverse and compelling sound scape.
It is impossible for me to pick out the really outstanding tracks on this album as the music needs to be listened to as a whole and not dipped into for an occasional listen,but whether you enjoy the excellent new age sounds of the opening track "Introduction" or the superb fluid guitar playing of "Storyteller" or the very laid back sounds of "Smoky Wood" there is something for everyone.
Every time I have listened to the music of IOEarth I have been taken to a different place within my own life,a journey of emotional well being, memories once forgotten brought back with more clarity than I thought ever possible.
Album of the year for me without question.
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This review was originally in French, so IOEARTH.com have used an online translator to translate this review into English.
So may not read quite right in places
Progressive Area
IOEARTH, a group native to United Kingdom, off-loads with very first one album which has as main feature to be original!
Although rather simple, the case emphasizes of abstract Vector Art, a fashionable art which confirms us that IOEARTH is a group influenced by various environments. The side "abstracts" stick well enough to the personality of the album. However, beyond the aesthetics, it's a pity to note that the packaging does not reveal us certain information, as the date of recording, the length of music and enters other one the address of the Internet site.Composed of two CDS, the album introduces three different movements which make references to elements such as Water for the first party, the Earth for second and Air for the last party.
The first two movements reveal seven titles each, and movement "Air" gives us six, what finally brings us a broad music panel. Undoubtedly, that this detail is significant since it is sometimes discouraging to discover that a dozen sounds on an album.That being said, it doesn't much matter quantity, it is the quality which dominates! Then let us speak about it! How to define the music of IOEARTH? It is a mixture of sought-after and worked sounds that creates ambiences different. Of atmospheric music, by way of a style a bit "New Age", they meet several nuances and tonalities, as tones rock, pop or else classic there.
Although voices are agreeably emphasized there, these remain discreet so as to that the album puts instruments particularly in honour.
Hey no! The fans of karaoke will not find of what to satisfy their full desire to sing by listening to IOEARTH! Any time, the persons enticed by musical escape will be able to bring an objective criticism in the writings of ADAM GOUGH and DAVE CURETON and will be able to appreciate this instant of listening.
Of an attentive ear, they can differentiate the three movements defined by the group. Such a history which is counted to us, they can point out the changes of "chapter" by creating a zest of suspense looking forward to connect the end of history. At the end which changes sense according to his listeners!
Technically, quality is outright present and at this level, I did not find negative critics to write you. Would we dare to say that their music reflect no imperfections? Of course not especially since it depends on requirements of each but in that case, it is credible that the persons in search of lesser small defects transform the anomaly of this album into charm!
In conclusion, the first album of IOEARTH is rather a success! The originality which clears of it am accompanied with a style which they can describe how being properly theirs, and which they would be delighted to cross by viewing stages film!
IOEARTH should continue evolving positively …
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Prog Archieve
IOEarth Crossover Prog
Review by Rivertree 23-12-09
Special Collaborator Psych/Space Team & Band Submissions
This music has much of a cinematic vibe, like composed as a soundtrack for a movie. Well - the overall length with more than 90 minutes nearly matches. The album shows a relaxed flow basically - but is provided with several twists and turns including heavy excursions nevertheless. Here we have a melting pot of influences derived from the progressive rock realm - including some popular moments too. The project's masterminds Dave Cureton and Adam Gough are knowing each other since their school days in the early beginning. They soon took notice of their 'spitirual' relationship, started composing music and founded the first band at the age of around15/16.
Now it took a long time until they finally decided to work out this debut, consisting of the three movements 'Water', 'Earth' and 'Air'. And after another two years this story in music featuring 20 songs was worked out due to the help of some competent friends - to name Dave Cureton's brother Richard (drums) first and foremost. The fine rhythm branch as well as the lush and versatile keyboard/synth appearance are representing the backbone. And a rich vocal presence is to state comprising Steve Balsamo (Jesus Christ Superstar) plus female singer Claire Malin and Louise Brabbins.
Decorated with a fairylike voice Introduction offers a blend of symphonic and modern electronica elements where Storyteller moves to a more (art) rocking mid-tempo behaviour led by acoustic and electric guitars. The hijacking Eeee is provided with uncanny soprano vocals by Steve Balsamo, I assume - interesting - sounds sacral a tad.as recorded during a church mass and overdubbed later. Definetely one of the album highlights - the impertinent drum/percussion drive is also striking. And so it goes further on with varied impressions obtaining the complete bandwith of prog elements including brass instruments corresponding with intriguing piano adds for example.
It's nearly impossible for me to describe all those multiple impressions - hence I'm only able to spot some remarkable snapshots. All in all you will find lots of new-age electronic, symphonic and ambient hints. Mountains Start to Fall appears in a neo prog outfit followed by the eclectic jazzy tinged Loops and The Creation shows the guitar like performing a homage to Andy Latimer. Light & Shade on the other hand starts straightforward heavy rocking bringing you down to earth, later coupled with duelling church organ and sawing guitar.
As for the contrary Home and Take Me are examples for a more commercial outfit where Sun Is Going Down contrasts with a hypnotic breakbeat fundament - once again spiked with soprano vocals, but this time mysterious whispering voices too. Great - I like this mood! To overtop the variety once more Steven Balsamo even gives something like Mongolian Throat Singing a chance. The excellent Harmonix returns back to neo prog territories decorated with expressive female vocals ... this album shouldn't missed out when you intend to have a well-assorted prog collection. That's my conclusion. A fine production mastered by Dave Cureton and Adam Gough. In order to breathe in the complete atmosphere I recommend to take the time to listen in one go - you won't regret it.
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LIVE REVIEW IOEARTH @ "THE PEEL"
Written by: Charlie O'Mara
After a short break for a bit of fresh air, and another pint of the black stuff, it was time for tonight's headline band, IOEarth to entertain us. I'd been looking forward to this gig for a while, as IOEarth's debut album (reviewed here) is a stunner. The band - Dave Cureton (guitar), Adam Gough (keyboards), Richard Cureton (drums) and Marc Williams (bass) - kicking off with Storyteller from their excellent debut album. This went into Smoky Wood, where they were initially joined on stage by the sax-toting Luke Shingler, before blonde bombshell Claire Malin entered to give it some vocals!
Then Dave introduced the next song as being one of the "commercially, poppy" numbers from their "mad album", and with that, Claire, Luke and Adam fired into a stripped down and chilled out rendition of Take Me, which is possibly my favourite track on the album. This version reinforces that to me. Come With Me followed on next, Claire again excellently handling the vocals which had been performed on the album by Steve Balsamo, while Dabe nailed the guitar.
As he was introducing the next song, The Creation, Dave quipped something that we all know deep down: „being in a band is an excuse for ugly men to get a good looking girl singing". He's right, you know, just think of The Gossip. This long instrumental piece really gives Dave a chance to show off his guitaring. The chunkier Light And Shade was next on the agenda, again giving the band a chance to showcase their chops, even though it is, apparently "a bit of a bugger to play".
Band introductions followed, including several Tommy Cooper gags courtesy of "Andrew Cough". Or "Calf". I dunno, these Brummies and their "accents"!
A version of Sun Going Down was next, with Claire taking over the male operatic voice, and it worked very well. All of a sudden, it was time for the last song. Luckily it was the nine minuter Harmonix
I had wondered how the band would transform their excellent album to the stage. I think they did an excellent job, picking up on the peices that would work the best in a live situation, and handling them very well. IOEarth are another band who appear to have a rosy future.
Well done again to The Peel for putting on a wonderful show, with the added attraction of lasers!
IOEarth are playing a few more gigs soon. They'll be playing at the The Jam House in Birmingham on 2nd March, then they'll be supporting Shadowland at the Wesley Centre, Rotherham on the 6th March before heading down to the Winter's End Festival in Stroud, where they'll be playing on Sunday 14th March.
Happy Days!
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Prog Boys
Summers End Live Review
IOEarth played recently at the Summers End Festival on the 11th October 2009. This was my first time watching this band live and I was intrigued in how they would carry their sound from their excellent debut album into a live environment.
There was a definite buzz on the sunday morning and the hall was nearly full to capacity,this was a first in its self as normally it takes a while for the crowd to build up for the first session.
They received a very enthuastic welcome onto the stage and set about treating the assembled masses to one of the best sets I have heard at Summers End in the years I have been visiting.
They managed to combine the excellent guitar work of Dave Cureton with Adam Gough`s Atmospheric Keyboards into a sound that had everyone mesmerised. Claire Malin voice added an additional Dynamic to the performance along with able backing from a soprano saxaphonist and the solid drumming of Richard Cureton.
They played a number of songs which included "Smoky Wood" "Light & Shade" "Storyteller" "The Creation" and "Harmonix" and they all stood up to their album versions with amazing clarity, ambience and forcefulness a feat in itself.
IOEarth are currently my favourite band of the moment and probably one of the best kept secrets currently in the progressive genre,lets hops their Pandoras Box of sounds are opened up by many who came to witness this superb perfomance.
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Summers End Festival Live Review
Ross Muir:
October 2009
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Summers end Festival Live Review
by Graham Rhodes:
The final day of the festival started in great style with IOEarth taking the stage. I was well impressed with this band and they look to have a bright future ahead of them. The female vocalist was excellent although I am not sure if she is a permanent member or is just used for gigs.
Some great material played and I even bought the album
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Winters End Festival Live Review
by Graham Rhodes
IOEarth completed the afternoons line-up and were certainly the best band of the afternoon session. I had seen them at Summers End 2009 and knew what to expect. They did not disappoint and the banter from guitarist Dave Cureton added to their appeal. Claire Malin also has a great voice. They played a couple of new numbers not on their debut 2CD album and they received a warm reception. I can recommend the album which I bought last time I saw them at Summers End. What next... A new album, I hope!