Igor Laze crafts a classic album with a true knack for storytelling on the soulful “Departure”. The attention to detail feels profound for not a gesture is wasted. Every single detail point to a path along a greater journey. Best taken in as a singular whole, the way the songs work together is profound. With each piece, he offers a chapter in an engrossing, growing story. It all has a sense of true poignancy. Right in the center of it all are his assured vocals. Lyrics reveal a life lived to the absolute fullest, from the incredible guitar work to the captivating rhythms that cover so much ground. Melodies, riffs, hooks, these all emerge in unexpected, constantly surprising ways.
References emerge over the course of the album. Nods to Tom Petty’s vocal delivery appears to be undeniable. The clever, dream-tinged lyrics recall Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd. Forgoing negativity these positive pieces are ones that offer tremendous insight. The reflection on the self proves to be profound. Beyond this he also incorporates modern as well as classic sounds. By taking what makes classic rock so great while updating the sound ever so slightly he delivers something so stunningly beautiful to behold. Letting the whole thing wash over in a gorgeous series of waves feels ideal for it is a vast sea of sound to get lost in.
Bursting through the gates is the majesty of the opener “The Mask”. “Into The Shadows” opts for the hypnotic. A theatrical sensibility pours into the mysterious “Paranoia”. Layer upon layer of sound filters into the masterful mix of “Segregation” where the electronic flourishes feel outright potent while the song grows in stature. Nods to classical emerge on the passionate “The Dream you Wished To Give”. Drums power the rush of “Perfect Storm” in a fantastic way, allowing for the piece to virtually burst at the seams. Easily the highlight of the album “Conscious Bounds” has a regal presence to it, with the twang of the guitar working wonders. Infinitely catchy, the cryptic quality of the work has an intriguing quality.
“Right Back At You” features a tremendous craftsmanship, for the song rushes forward with a sense of urgency. For “Reborn” he opts for an Alice in Chains soulfulness, as the pained delivery has a poignancy to it. Electronic elements filter into “We’re Falling”. A force of nature defines “Letting Go”. “Love Will” has a yearning quality to it. Stripping things to the essentials is the intimacy of “Full Circle”. Ending things on a high note is the tenderness of the title track “Departure”.
Sung with such vigor and energy, Igor Laze delivers a work straight from the heart on the tender “Departure”.
Igor Laze – Departure
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