The one and only Robert Tornillo of IZE triumphantly returns; press photo.

Cult pop act IZE returns with a listen to the illustrious and synth-bright single “Arms of Love”. From the creative mind of New Orleans-based artist Robert Tornillo; the latest creation is built upon the feeling of the sweetest and most endearing of embraces that helps to warm the body and spirit from the wind chill of the wayward autumn breeze. Delivering a gift to the world after something of a hiatus from the scenes; the latest IZE offering and news of new material to follow is everything the world needs right now.

“Arms of Love” with a production, mixing and mastering assist from Lerner Davis stands as one of the best electro-pop treasures you might hear all season. IZE has created a love song that sails electrically off the highs of feeling love, being in love, loving someone in return and more that bubbles and fuzzes with the electricity that courses through the beings of two people connected in a passionate hug. Tornillo updates the “Open Arms” torch song type of balladry with something created with the rush and thrill of the present and future both in mind and in heart. “Arms of Love” is something that even defies the means of production and styles that it adheres to in presentation and form. The new IZE single is soaked in all manners of electronic treatments and the like, while operating on an axis of the sublime and ineffable as it approximates the intimacy of being close to someone you love more than anyone or anything in the entire world. It is an anthem to chase away all semblances of loneliness and sadness and lifts up the listener to those personal places and celestial spaces of recalling the greatest love that exists, flourishes and grows beyond all measure or means of description and comprehension.

Mural photo-ops with Rob Tornillo; press photo.

Robert Tornillo of IZE provided some reflections on the new material, “Arms of Love”, life and other assorted insights:

I had taken some time off of making music for any kind of audience and am happy to be at it again. In the last few years I've finished school, started a job, and have generally had less time to work on stuff like this. There's still an album, tentatively titled Ecosystem of Love, floating around and one day it may just see the light of day. As for the release of these three songs ["Arms of Love", "Center of Town" & "Sunnyside (Daydream Johnny)"], I've been massively inspired by my meeting Michael Jab. My friend Johnny, for whom “Sunnyside” is named, began playing with Jab last year, and I've found him to be an incredibly inspiring figure. His very soul rings full of poetry and promise. With such an artistic force in my life, I could not help but be moved to create.

I owe a ton of this effort to Matt Seferian, who released an amazing collaborative album this year called Matt Surfin' and Friends. He may just be releasing something else (very collaborative) soon, so keep your eyes peeled. We have been working on music together for about a year and it has been incredibly rewarding to work with someone so experienced and talented. Even though he would probably never say it, that dude is a genius. Also his band Pope rocks.
“Arms of Love” would not sound anything like it does without Lerner Davis' production contributions. He and I have worked on different music and art collaborations since sometime in 2015, first with me as a producer and now with him doing the bulk of the production work. His passion as a writer and creator is pretty much unmatched; and you'd know it if you ever saw him perform or work on a track.

Listen to more from IZE via Spotify, Bandcamp & Soundcloud. Catch IZE October 10 at Saturn Bar in New Orleans with Harlan and Super Low (of Memphis).

Sipping a glass with IZE’s Robert Tornillo; press photo courtesy of the artists.

PREMIERE | IZE, "Arms of Love"