This is, hands down, the best new release that i have heard in 2000. And yet, there has been an amount of trepidation in writing this review. Why, you ask? Well, because the CD is a limited release of 1000 copies on a small label from Florida. For the average reader, your chances of finding a copy of this are quite slim. I found one through an independent music distributor in Atlanta, Stick Figure Distribution, so i was lucky. You might not be so lucky, and that is a shame.

Isobella have seemingly fallen through a time warp. They belong, cleraly, in the early 90's British shoegazer scene. They have released the best album in this genre since Pygmalion by Slowdive, back in 1995!

It's an album of balanced distorted guitars, droning keyboards, powerful beats, and male/female vocal interplay buried underneath the sheer weight of melody that two guitars and keyboards can create. It is, quite frankly, some seriously beautiful noise!

Consider the albums high point, The Sun In Her Eyes. This song features melodies traded freely between the two guitarists and the keyboards. It bounces back and forth, creating a heavenly washed out din that you can just lose yourself in. The simple, repetitive vocals really create a calming feeling as the music swirls around you.

That may be the standout track on the CD, but really, there are no snoozers at all here. It is very evenly produced -- all songs really flow together well, and they are all good songs. I am highly impressed, and look forward to hearing more from this young band.

So, if you are a fan of shoegazer music (and if you have to ask what that is, then you are not a fan), then you owe it to yourself to try and track this thing down. You won't regret it.

Now, even though this album is a limited release, it is possible for you to hear some of the songs. Isobella have, quite thoughtfully, posted three tunes on their MP3.com page. Go there and take a listen. You won't be sorry.