Iris (2) - Awakening

Awakening shows the maturing of Reagan's songwriting and it shows how new member Andrew Sega has had a profound impact on this group with his production skills. It also propelled this band more into the spotlight and got them a new European distribution deal and thus a couple European mini-tours supporting the likes of De/vision amongst others. Even though Iris is considered a veteren in the modern synthpop scene now, this album is only the beginning of an amazing future for them where they will continue to push the boundaries and leave genres behind as they create a true name for themselves. They also chose to give a tribute to one of the bands that inspired them, Seven Red Seven.

With their second album Iris have taken a great leap forward from the rather unexciting first album. Awakening features a strong suite of energetic songs of the "refrain-that-sticks-in-your-head" category, and together with a professional production it places them on the throne of American synth-pop, easily pushing down the former kings Cause & Effect.