In our last issue we reviewed the latest album from Anthony Phillips. This album “Field Day”, was for me a very relaxing album. An album that proved that great progressive rock music can be made without the usual Moogs and Mellotrons. The new CD release “When Worlds Collide”, made by the Iona members Troy Donockley and Dave Bainbridge, is a same kind of album as “Field Day”. Again very relaxing music and without the mentioned keyboards. But still very impressive and entertaining. Their last duo effort “From Silence” already proved that they are a strong team. But this new album was for me of a much higher level. One hour long can we hear them playing tradionals and most of all songs of their own. But also songs which are already well known to the fans of Iona. Good examples are “Eyes of the world” (sung by Troy) and “Bi-Se I Mo Shuil-part 1”. Some of the songs only feature acoustic guitars, mandolins or a bouzouki. Real unplugged songs. But still very good. Others feature keyboards, Ullian Pipes, E bow- and electric guitars. Those songs reminded me the most of the music performed by Iona. A large part of the album was recorded in front of a live audience at the Studio in Hartlepool and at Pockling Arts Centre. The rest was done at Open Sky Studio, Lincolnshire and Warterworld. It only showed that it was for Dave and Troy not a real problem to play for a public our to play locked up in a recording studio. Every time they manage to perform the best music possible. Bravo! A great effort this collaberation.

**** (Henri Strik)