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Progland was founded by John Gabbard in 2005. It's purpose has been to provide you, the music community with the latest music and dvd reviews. It will continue to be your link to the most popular music reviews in the progressive world.

 

(IQ) - "Frequency"- (Erik's Review)

Reviewed by:

Erik Neuteboom

www.progwalhalla.com

Genre:
Prog
Country:
UK
Length:
62:02
Release Date:
6/2/09
Band Members: Peter Nicholls / vocals John Jowitt / bass
  Mike Holmes / guitar Andy Edwards / drums
  Mark Westworth / keyboards
     
Track Listing: 1.)- Frequency- (8:29)  
  2.)-Life Support - (6:28)  
  3.)-Stronger Than Friction- (10:32)  
  4.)-One Fatal Mistake- (4:54)  
  5.)-Ryker Skies- (9:45)  
  6.)-The Province- (13:43)  
  7.)-Closer- (8:11)  
     

Review:

The first time I listened to the songs of this brandnew, ninth (IQ) studio-album was yesterday (on April 25th, 2009) when I attended an outstanding, very inspired IQ gig (including the celebration of Mike Holmes’s birthday and the return of first line-up drummer Paul Cook) in the progrock venue De Boerderij, part of their promotional tour of the CD "Frequecy". I was delighted about these new compositions, reminding me of The Wake (1985), my favorite (IQ) studio-album. -

Well, at home I got even more excited after a few "Frequency" listening sessions’ and at some moments goose bumps appeared on my arms, that’s the usual sign that I am in a perfect progrock mood! The album opens with the title track "Frequency", first great sound effects and then we can enjoy (IQ) in its full splendor during the slow rhythms with a bombastic atmosphere featuring fiery and howling electric guitar runs and moving violin- and choir Mellotron eruptions (by Mark Westworth who has replaced founding member Martin Orford in 2007), for me this is IQ their trademark, very compelling and exciting. In between the climates range from dreamy with warm piano and a bit melancholical vocals to mid-tempo with tight drums and sensitive electric guitar, what a tension and dynamics and what a very promising first composition. In the other six tracks IQ also finds a perfect balance between dreamy atmospheres, propulsive mid-tempo rhythms and bombastic outbursts, embellished with great work on guitar and keyboards (with frequent mid-Genesis undertones): wonderful guitarplay with the volume pedal, majestic choir-Mellotron and sensational synthesizer flights in "Life Support", a strong vocal performance and a spectacular break in the varied "Stronger Than Friction", acoustic rhythm guitar, soaring strings and warm vocals, concluded with Tony Banks sounding choir-Mellotron drops in the short, dreamy "One Fatal Mistake", a mouth-watering vintage keyboard sound (Hammond, Mellotron, Minimoog) and propulsive bass play in "Ryker Skies" and strong vocals with tasteful guitar – and keyboard colouring in the beautiful ballad "Closer". But my absolute highlight is the magnum opus "The Province", a constant ‘eargasm’ of almost 14 minutes: wonderful twanging 12-string acoustic guitar, great vintage keyboards (lush Hammond, impressive choir-Mellotron and flashy Minimoog runs), exciting propulsive guitar riffs and drums (by newcomer Andy Edwards) with powerful Hammond waves, a moving electric guitar solo with violin-Mellotron support and a warm conclusion with intense vocals and tender piano, this is (IQ) at their best and a ‘future classic’! -

It’s incredible how IQ have matured since Martin Orford and Mike Holmes founded the band in 1981: it has become an experienced unit, John Jowitt’s powerful and creative bass work is omnipresent, Peter Nicholls sings as never before and during the years IQ has turned into one of the leading progrock bands. With this new album IQ has delivered an excellent new CD on which new keyboardist Mark Westworth shines. To me Frequency sounds even better than "Dark Matter" (2004) and in my opinion the climates are close to the magic of "The Wake" so highly recommended and a big hand for these sympathic progrock veterans! -

P.S.: the Special Edition contains the "Frequency" CD and a Bonus DVD entitled IQ Live In Holland 2007 (12 compositions recorded at De Boerderij in Zoetermeer, including 2 Frequency tracks). Both versions are available end May 2009, I bought my Special Edition version at the Saturday concert, it was sold out before IQ had finished that gig!

www.progwalhalla.com

 

 

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