EVER

I don't think there is any doubt that the band came into the recording studio (to make this album) with a renewed passion and emotion. After all he was back wasn't he ? The "he" being Peter Nicholls who last sang for IQ on "The Wake" album some 8 years previous.They also had a new bass player for this one in John Jowitt, so you know there was a renewed energy and the creative juices were flowing.

"The Darkest Hour" opens in such an outstanding way with keys, guitars and drums.They are back ! Then we get to hear the vocals of Peter Nicholls as he joins in. And i'm sure the faithful IQ fans (who hoped for this reunion of the band with Peter for some 8 long years) had a lump in their throats at this point.The waves of synths are great before the 6 minute mark, and the soaring guitar 8 mintes in from Holmes doesn't disappoint. Orford closes this song out with lots of piano melodies. "Fading Senses" is a mellow reflective song that is dominated by keys and vocals, that is until the change in mood 3 minutes in. When pounding drums and heavy guitar take over, as synths come and go.

"Out of Nowhere" opens with the birds singing as drums and mellotron come in. We are treated to a good rhythm as bass, drums and guitar provide support to Peter's fantastic vocals.This is a catchy tune with some majestic mellotron after 3 minutes as well as later. "Further Away" opens with light keys and mellotron as vocals come in. This is a slow moving mellow tune until the drums signal a change 3 minutes in.The band sort of lets it rip ! They just rock out, it's great ! They do settle back to original melody before returning back to the uptempo soundscape. "Leap of Faith" opens with reserved vocals and light keys, the sound is heavenly 2 minutes in. Eventually the keys and guitar trade solos.This song blends right into "Came Down". It features these slowly pounding drums as a tasteful guitar melody is played. Vocals and synths arrive to add more beauty to the pastoral ending of this record.

I'm not surprised to hear how many people rate this IQ album as their favourite. It is rather reserved, tasteful and beautiful. A triumphant comeback record for this great band.