IQ Dark Matter

So I got a big foot in my pride over this. Mister Smarty-Pants-Beats-Everyone-At-Rock-And-Roll-Jeopardy didn’t know anything about the band IQ. In my defense, their latest offering entitled “Dark Matter” is their first with proper U.S. distribution, but that isn’t usually much of a hindrance to me… especially since the band’s been around and intact since the early 1980s.

Ghaaa. I’ve failed!

I suppose it’s a fortunate thing then that “Dark Matter” is such an enjoyable offering, making it perfect entry-level material. The band has definite chemistry and formidable chops, but there is one thing that is crystal clear from the very first spin: IQ isn’t afraid of their prog-rock pedigree. From the first track, “Sacred Sound”, clocking in at 11:40, to the last track, “Harvest Of Souls”, racking up a mammoth 24:29, the band defiantly jettisons any aspirations of being a concise little pop band.

Not that the shorter tracks suffer from a deficiency of hooks or lyrical weight. “Red Dust Shadow”, told from the perspective of a child of a runaway father, is touching. “Born Brilliant” has a nice hard edge on it and remains, for me, the best of the disc. Still, I need to stress that unless you are open-minded to the eccentricities of prog, it might not work for you.

Peter Nicholls has a unique voice and delivery and doesn’t overdo it, but sometimes he seems to be holding back a tad too much.  Martin Orford’s keyboards drive the songs, which works for me just fine. His choice of sounds range from cool synths to classic keys, but those who prefer their music driven by guitars might find fault with that. And this is exactly why I’m on the fence with “Dark Matter”. Fans of this style will probably take this release immediately to heart where casual listeners may be more ambivalent. It asks for your time, a bit of patience and a willingness to give something new a chance; things that aren’t requisite for most rock CDs. So I guess I’m saying that this is classic-styled prog and recommended for devotees of the form. For everyone else, caveat emptor.

As for myself, I’m ready to try some more IQ out… Too bad none of it is available.

---

---

Release Date: June 29, 2004
Tracks: 5 - Time: 52:26
Produced by: Michael Holmes
Format: CD
Website: www.gep.co.uk/iq

---

IQ:

Paul Cook - Drums / Percussion / Cymbals
John Jowitt - Bass / Guitar
Peter Nicholls - Vocals
Martin Olford - Keyboards / Vocals