Iona: Journey Into the Morn

Hailing from the UK, Iona play a brand of Celtic folk that many people find appealing. With six studio albums, three live albums and a box set to their credit they have certainly been around for a while. Journey Into the Morn was originally released in 1995 but has not been around for about five years. It has been rereleased on Open Sky Records. This is their best selling album, although I missed it the first time around. Upon first hearing this album I thought of bands like Enya and their ilk, although I cannot say I am overly familiar with those bands. At first listen you might consider this album to be a straight forward easy listening affair but further exploration reveals much more. There are in fact progressive moments to be sure, especially when the band kicks it up a notch. The music is very lush and flows beautifully due to the use of a variety of instruments like Celtic harp, Uilleann pipes, E bow guitar, mandolin and various types of percussion. I can hear forays into Mike Oldfield territory, especially his mellower moments. The lead vocals by Joanne Hogg are excellent as she is able to touch on the emotive side of her voice, exhibiting a great range and sensitivity reminding me of the vocals of Mostly Autumn or Magenta. Among special guests is Robert Fripp who lends a hand on a couple of songs. The subject matter invokes spirituality and their religious convictions without sounding preachy or overbearing and much of the album was inspired by an 8th century Irish hymn.

This is a long album with several songs, but a few personal highlights include "Inside My Heart" featuring nice acoustic and electric guitar including a very good solo or the eleven minute "Encircling" with its lush pastoral leanings and a guitar solo reminiscent of Mr. Gilmour. This is when I find the band at their most progressive and Dave Bainbridge offers plenty of tasty guitar work throughout the album. Another high point is the acoustic "Lindisfarne" with some great vocal harmonies and a luxuriant arrangement.

Overall this is a good record and one that might take a few listens before getting all of the subtleties this music has to offer. If you are looking for an adventure in the softer side of things and appreciate beautifully textured melodies do yourself a favour and check it out.

Track Listing:
1. Bi-se I Mo Shuil – Part 1 (2:06)
2. Irish Day (5:14)
3. Wisdom (4:58)
4. Everything Changes (5:33)
5. Inside My Heart (6:09)
6. Encircling (11:38)
7. Journey Into the Morn (2:53)
8. Lindisfarne (6:30)
9. No heart Beats (2:42)
10. The Search (2:42)
11. Divine Presence (5:28)
12. Heaven's Bright Sun (7:26)
13. Bi-se I Mo Shuil – Part 2 (4:33)
14. When I Survey (8:05)

Added: August 10th 2009
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1912
Language: english

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