THE SEVENTH HOUSE

IQ are on a par with Fish's Marillion IMO. They jointly wear the neo prog crown. The Seventh House is yet another creative triumph from this accomplished band. 'Ever' and 'Subteranea' and 'Dark Matter' are all excellent albums, but what stands out on this album, for me is the strength of the melodies, and the atmosphere created by Nicholl's lyrics and distinctive vocal style. The usual comparisons with Peter Gabriel can be made, but as with Fish, I believe both singers carry a unique style, and are unmistakable in their own right. The album carries us through a series of wonderful and memorable guitar riffs, and brilliant use of light and shade in the music, to create incredible atmosphere. As with all good prog rock, the album oozes melancholy, but delivers it with a positive energy, allowing the dark themes within the music to still be accessable, and dare I say it...catchy! The best tracks to my mind are 'Erosion' 'The Seventh House' 'Zero Hour' and 'Guiding Light' The only slightly unwelcome ingredient is the use of sax. I've nothing against sax in prog, but not played in a pop/soul style as it seems to be here. This very minor flaw (IMO) is more than compensated for. IQ entered the 21st century on a very positive note with this album. They were on a roll after it's predecessors, and I believe this was their finest hour.