"E M" is the 3rd CD from IZ, and is a densely layered and skillfully presented instrumental CD on the heavy side of rock, with elements of experimental music. Generally the songs writing is in a minimalist and sparse style that is in contrast to the thick tambor, meter changes and harmonic complexities. This approach makes every note/chord an essential statement and creates a unique sonic quality rarely heard in groups with rock instrumentation.

Michael Lance Serviolo does the majority of the composing and plays guitar, Tom Sublet plays bass & synthesizer, David Kerman plays drums. This line-up offers diversity and musical quality to "E M". Michael has played with such groups as The Perry Weissman 3, Jux County and Elan. David is known for his work with Thinking Plague, The 5UU's, U-totem and Present. Tom has worked with Uversa, Sandscrit and The Good Vibes Quartet. The blending of rhythmic precision, interesting compositions and tonal coloring make this a great recording.

The return of another long-standing American mainstay, RATTLEMOUTH's newest is gorgeous, and surely their most mature work to date. Though subtitled, "Music For Film And Dance", this truly transcends what is commonly referred to as a soundtrack. It's great to hear complimenting sax work (Roger Carrol and Danny Finney) laying down the melodic framework instead of the aimless skronking matches intrinsic to many other East Coast bands; and the rhythm section of drums, bass and guitar are so TIGHT they'd make a minnow's closed eye jealous. You can still hear the band's influences, especially Fred Frith, their old Orthotonics days and the first ZNR, maybe. But this far on in the game, Rattlemouth have become a school unto themselves, and their MO allows the music to grow and unfold. Robbie Kinter's drumming is impeccable here: So much in the pocket, assured and elegant, without a single intent to bludgeon the listener (and he's branched out into other instruments as well, blessya, man). Some of this record is so beautiful that you'd hardly guess it was Rattlemouth, the "bad ambassadors" of Richmond, VA. But they're not afraid to live it up either, as witnessed by the inclusion of what must be the shortest tango ever (move over, Jack Bruce's The Consul At Sunset). The hauntingly eerie "Between Frames" is my favorite piece of music this month; Think Etron Fou, but with many years of experience on, playing the deck of a cruise ship, skeet shooting perfect notes, through the clouds, out of the starry skies.

This is yet another great collection from the Greek Archives series. Arguably the highlights here are the songs of Stratos Payoumitzis, who had one of the greatest singing voices of early Rembetika. Sadly, like so many of the musicians, Stratos' golden years were difficult and tragic ones. He died performing on stage in New York in 1971, and a collection had to be taken up to ship his body home. There is quite a bit of work by Kavouris and Skarvelis on this disc as well. Also some great tracks from Markos, Hatzichristos, and an absolutely great version of Artemis doing his classic, "Girl From Tsitsifies".

This is the perfect addition to Vol. 1, and generally follows up on that disc's attitude to capture the music of the outcast, fringe society. Especially great here is the Artemis stuff; He was one of the Rembetises to succumb to heroin and was found dead in the streets, clutching his Bouzouki, at age 31. There are also great pieces here by his contemporaries from the Piraeus Quartet, and main staples from Stelios Keromitis and Kostas Skarvelis.