Cambridge-based folksters Ezio are no strangers to British music (although whether being namedropped by Tony Blair is a good thing or not is open to debate) having released their debut CD, “The Angel Song”, back in 1993. Their latest release, “This Is The Day” is another fine offering. Largely an unpolluted acoustic affair, attention must be paid as much to vocals as to the music. To this day it remains a wonder that this act are yet to assert themselves in mainstream circles.
In the first two tracks we are given a pretty solid indication of what’s to come. “A Small Dream” is an intelligent opening track, almost reminiscent of the old “talkin’ blues” songs of yesteryear, while “Bad Bad Place”, by contrast, explodes into life with a tasty fuzztone riff. The album goes on in this vein, treading through folk, blues and rock territory as if gaining knowledge and experience with each song.
Whether dealing with the poignant (“Each Time You Cry”), the remorseful (“Mad At Myself”), the humorous (“Bicycle”) or the downright unexpected (“I Still Want You”), the band are proficient at conveying mood and emotion without straying too far from their desired sound. This, you might say, is what determines a good act from a middle-of-the-road act.
The only trouble I can see with this record is that those who buy it will probably feel compelled to buy their entire back catalogue. No bad thing, perhaps, but prepare yourself for it. It truly is as good an introduction to the band as you’d find with any other album. Highly recommended.