Iona Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
Iona's seventh album brings more of their patented progressive layered instrumentals and ambient respites, both seasoned by uilleann pipes, whistles, and other folk instruments. Unlike previous albums, however, Open Sky's instrumental passages possess more drive and body than before. It wasn't uncommon for such segments to continue vapidly for five or ten minutes before finally fading to an unsatisfying conclusion. Guitarist Dave Bainbridge makes much better use of his talents and available time (73 minutes) as he incorporates less of the innocuous and more of the inspired playing, akin to Steve Hackett as heard on The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and Trick of the Tail. In fact the technique employed by drummer Frank Van Essen resembles that of Genesis drummer Phil Collins from that same period. That's not to infer that Iona has abandoned their ambient and noodling proclivities; they've just found a way of making them more tuneful and relevant. The addition of violin (also played by Van Essen) to their lineup has made a difference in that regard. While Joanne Hogg's voice is prominent on several songs, Iona has always had the visage of an all-instrumental band. Her supple voice radiates from and melts into the music in much the same manner as a woodwind or electric keyboard. It's used more for textured than expressive purposes but is, nevertheless, a key identifying feature of this band. This is probably the most focused and well-conceived effort, thus far, by Iona. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
'Iona Live: Heaven's Bright Sun'
Release Date 7/1/1997
Tracks 18
Label Forefront
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What The Critics Say
For years Iona loyalists have been saying "but you must see them live" in defense of their lengthy, ambient-laden instrumentals and sometimes partially realized studio concepts. They have a point to an extent. A greater intensity and sense of purpose does exist in this two-disc live set, but invariably, whenever that dynamic reveals itself, Iona drifts further from anything inherently Celtic, and closer to '70s pop/prog like Camel, Renaissance and Genesis (which isn't a knock, because Iona doesn't place labels on themselves). An obvious exception is the previously unrecorded reel medley, "Mountain Road/Ivy Leaf/Hunter's Purse/Rip the Calico," which boasts a stunning seven-minute uilleann pipes clinic by Troy Donockley. Now that's Celtic rock! "When I Survey," utilizing the traditional melody of "Waly Waly" and the lyrics of 17th-century English theologian/hymn writer Isaac Watts, is sure to please devotees of both the folk-rock and progressive camps. Lead vocalist Joanne Hogg displays tendencies that evoke comparisons to Karen Matheson and Annie Haslam. Evidently, guitarist Dave Bainbridge picked up a few tips from Robert Fripp (who appeared on their previous two studio albums), as his epic, impressionistic 12-minute guitar intro on "Survey" eventually gives way to a fiery solo which wouldn't sound out of place on an early-'70s King Crimson album. Throughout Heaven's Bright Sun, Mike Haughton's unsolicited wailing sax outbursts do little to solidify Iona's classification as either a progressive or folk-rock group. And Iona wouldn't have it any other way. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
'Journey into the Morn'
Release Date 1/1/1996
Tracks 14
Label Alliance Music
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What The Critics Say
The first time I heard Iona was at a concert. I was stunned. I'd never heard of them before, and it was quite a surprise. For one thing, I used to think there was no such thing as a Christian prog band. Now I know better. Iona's music could be described as a mix of rock, traditional celtic melodies and a beautiful voice. Don't expect a lot of guitars, this is on the softer side of progressive music -- more keyboard oriented. This journey the band is taking you on is calm, melodic and haunting. One of the most impressive things with Iona is multi-instrumentalist Dave Bainbridge, switching from the guitar to the keyboards to a mandolin, bagpipes or other more obscure traditional instruments. His talents are most obvious on tracks such as the long, epic "Encircling," or the breathtaking instrumental, "Heaven's Bright Sun." The melancholic "Everything Changes" is another favorite, with its strong poetic lyrics ("Move with the times / Or just die with the past / Why does it seem / That beauty doesn't last ?") and its moving harmonies. It should be noted that Robert Fripp, of King Crimson fame, makes an appearance on two tracks. Journey Into the Morn is a great album, but given the chance, one should definitely experience Iona live. It is an enthralling experience. ~ Alex S. Garcia, All Music Guide
'Beyond These Shores'
Release Date 1/1/1993
Tracks 15
Label ForeFront
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This is the second release by the Christian progressive rock band Iona. Like their first release, and now to a greater degree, Iona's music is quite challenging to listen to. With multi-layered instrumentation, forever changing moods, and lyrics that require constant attention, this music is not easily digested. And this 72-minute album, centered on The Book of Kells, necessitates a thorough listen if one desires to understand and appreciate its concept in total. There's plenty to keep one's interest too, like Joanne Hogg's angelic voice, David Bainbridge's skillful guitar work, or the hypnotic flutes, whistles, and Irish pipes. However, inherent with such lengthy albums is the presence of filler material, so if you're in search of inspirational or passionate rock & roll, most of The Book of Kells will undoubtedly fall into the filler category. Actually, this music seems like it's intended for a mystical motion picture soundtrack. In a way, it all ready is. Given the deep thought and consideration required to understand this album fully, it does serve as a soundtrack for the mind's eye. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
