If you like Delerium's old, long-running, grooving free-form style, I've got a treat for you. Igizeh is an impressive accomplishment, straddling the worlds of Popular and Progressive music. These lengthy tracks are less accessible than most of what I review, I admit. I didn't like the album at all on my first listen. The second time I put it in the player, though, I knew what to expect and loved it. This absolutely isn't verse-chorus stuff, but it has great beats and stylistic variety, coupled with enough traditional melodies and chord progressions to keep the more Mainstream-oriented among us entertained.

Most of the tracks, like Gizeh(5) and B2(7), would best be classified as Nu Ambient (in the sense that they're Ambient with strong rhythmic elements, not in the sense that they resemble the bulk of this site - remember, I've got a Pop-oriented slant on things). Some, though, would more accurately be called Techno or House, like How Much Reality Can You Take?(6). Glove Puppet (vocal version)(4), featuring guest vocalist Jennifer Folker, is a song that sounds like Portishead raising the hypothetical child of Alannis Morriset and Bjork. Its very cool, and its Igizeh's only link to the world of lyrical songs. Jennifer also provides vocals on Obsidian(2), but they're formless and chant-like (I can't determine whether she's singing actual words, or just vocalising).

World elements intermingle with synths and drums throughout the album, but are rarely the focus. A notable exception is Creme Egg(3) (points to the producer for having a sense of humor), which features a chanted male vocal, and reminds me of the Afro Celtic Sound System stylistically. The liner notes indicate that some recording was actually done inside the Great Pyramids at Giza, and the album's artwork firmly establishes an Egyptian theme. I'm not familiar with Egyptian folk music, so I can't really say how much of Igizeh's World element is actually Egyptian, but I wouldn't be surprised to find that there are sounds from other regions on the album.

Its rare that I'm so fond of something strongly endorsed by established critics. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this album to every reader who happens by, but if you're ever in the mood to explore the "serious" side of Ambient music, this is a great place to start.