THE SEVENTH HOUSE

I really enjoy this album, and I think it is solid all the way through (unlike Dark Matter, for example). Also, I see a large number of Genesis comparisons made in reviews, and I have to say that I really don't hear it myself. IQ here are mixing prog metal with some spacey/psychadelic elements (with a decent amount of pop), and the result is fairly straightforward, but memorable music.

The Wrong Side of Weird. A great way to kick off an album, this song is a bouncy rocker for the first half and a cool prog metal tune for the second. Plenty of nice melodies (and not repetitive in the least) and EXCELLENT transitions makes this song enjoyable every time.

The Seventh House. The strong points of the album opener apply here. I have to say, IQ demonstrates a rather unique ability to perform extended pieces that are fun, interesting and non-repetitive--all this without building up to grand finales or having virtuosic playing. IQ is all about good melodies, transitions, and pleasant arrangements, and this title track is 14 minutes of good music.

Guiding Light. Great way to end an album. This one starts and ends softly, but the middle extended 5/4 instrumental break is quite enjoyable. It's quite good, but in my opinion there's no need to compare this to The Cinema Show (and somehow cheapen that classic). Orford in particular shows his tasteful and capable keyboard/synth prowess.

Erosion, Zero Hour, Shooting Angels. These songs are mellower and in my opinion much less memorable than the three extended pieces. They do flow nicely from the other songs, helping to form a comprehensive album.

Overall I think The Seventh House is a very solid album--maybe this doesn't quite have the high moments of Dark Matter, but it also is much more consistent and less derivative. This is simply good songwriting pulled off by capable musicians, and it's worth owning.