THE SEVENTH HOUSE

I'm not the biggest fan of what is commonly referred to as "neo-prog", but IQ is the best band in this genre, and "The Seventh House" is their best album up to that time. Somehow this Genesis-caliber band has stayed together through the years, and they consistently put out very good music, played well, with interesting lyrics (and album covers!). There's a "Lamb Lies Down" feel to the opening of "Wrong Side of Weird" before it morphs into a "Song Remains the Same" riff. Some great moments on this opener, but it seems to lose its way halfway along. Not so with the title track; IQ's BEST composition ever with great lyrics, a soaring chorus, and great song development all the way through. I also love the fast section of "Guiding Light" with some showcase drumming. But what were they thinking with the sappy "Shooting Angels"? - the only thing that keeps me from giving this album 5 stars overall.