IQ сподобились на новый альбом (изданный, однако, в виде двойника). Что ж это приятно, учитывая тот факт, что мы всегда хорошо относились к этой группе, прощая ей некоторую увлеченность монотонностью (особенно в последних релизах). Альбомы "The Sevetth House" 2000 года и "Dark Matter" 2004 года показались нам невообразимо скучны (чего не скажешь об их гениальном двойнике 1998 г.). Внимание: лидера команды, Мартина Орфорда, уже здесь нет, он некоторое время назад ушел из команды и даже успел записать сольный альбом. Вместо него на вакантное место взят Марк Уэстворт из Darwin`s Radio. Резюме: при приобретении последнего альбома надо проявить осторожность и осмотрительность.
Диск 1 1. Frequency 2. Life Support 3. Stronger Than Friction 4. One Fatal Mistake 5. Ryker Skies 6. Province 7. Closer
Диск 2 1. Awake and Nervous [DVD][Live] 2. You Never Will [DVD][Live] 3. Frequency [DVD][Live] 4. Magic Roundabout [DVD][Live] 5. Harvest of Souls [DVD][Live] 6. Sleepless Incidental [DVD][Live] 7. Crashed and Burned (Stronger Than Friction) [DVD][Live] 8. Seventh House [DVD][Live] 9. It All Stops Here [DVD][Live] 10. Guiding Light 11. Subterranea [DVD][Live] 12. Darkest Hour [DVD][Live]
IQ return with their new album and the first one since original member, keyboards player Martin Orford left the band. Martin was also responsible for running the band's label Giant Electric Pea and has now sadly retired from the music business after releasing his excellent solo album late last year. So a big gap to fill but it has been admirably filled by Mark Westworth, of Darwin's Radio.
The album's title track has been played live by the band for some eighteen months now, although this final album version has lyrical changes a done few musical tweaks. It is also a song that allows guitarist Mike Holmes a chance to play some very impressive solos. Mark Westworth also makes himself known on this song with some lovely 70's sounding keys/synths interwoven throughout the song. 'Life Support' keeps the high standard going and sounds like the band in the 80's days with of course modern production. Again the band are all playing at the top of their game and like any good progressive rock album it takes many listens to soak in all the musical and lyrical delights.
One song that may cause a few ruffles feathers among fans is 'Ryker Skies', a song based on an inmate's journey through a correctional facility. This sees the band experiment with loops and programming more likely to be heard on an album by the Orb. For me it shows the band are still seeking new musical experiences although the slightly dance/trance nature of the music may put off some fans.
The most instant song and possibly the best on the album, is the wonderful 'Closer'. Having just a piano, with some gentle guitar passages underpinning it along with Peter Nicholls impassioned vocal is a real treat. This is the sort of slow piano led number Dream Theater do so well and I have to say IQ beat them at it on this song. Yes it is that good.
IQ, like Pendragon, is one of the few progressive rock bands who always deliver and after hearing a new album you wonder how can they top this? I am sure they can again but for now enjoy this new album which has new musical directions, lovingly crafted ballads and a few delves back into their musical past.
"In my opinion, 'Frequency' is the strongest of the latter-day IQ albums (which I count from 1993's 'Ever' onward.) There is not a weak song on it, and never a lull. The lyrics and vocal delivery are better than usual -- In past I've found Nicholls' vocals a bit forced and preachy. Here he is more relaxed and words more freely-flowing. I find that he is really 'selling' these songs a lot better than previously in his delivery. I also fault some of the recent IQ albums for sounding to edited, as if all the faults had been digitally cleaned out and unnaturally precise timings introduced. The recent songs sound like they were assembled from parts. 'Frequency' is a step away from that, though still could be better. The performances sound more human; which really suits IQ -- the lyrics are so personal and direct, they do not fit so well with a robotic super-precise performance. I say before you release a song from the studio make sure that a LIVE BAND OF HUMAN BEINGS can play it all the way through. We the listeners can tell, you know! I really like the new keyboard player, who is using a lot more vintage electric piano and organ sounds.
I criticize because I love! IQ is one of my faves. I think they could make a few changes and be truly one of the all time great prog acts".
