THE SEVENTH HOUSE

I recently renewed my interest in modern prog on vinyl because of the sonic qualities of my new stereo amplifier. I've been in love with Rob Sowden era Arena since age 14, but I found it hard to find quality neo-prog that was just as adventurous, differentiated and - especially - well sung. Moreover, not all high-rated neo-prog is available on vinyl, so recommendations are welcome (pm me!).

IQ have reinstalled their prominence in the genre with a strung of high-rated albums starting with Subterranea (1997), also a favorite of mine. I had no particular interest in the Seventh House, but it happened to by available on vinyl so here we are. My first impression here is that the production of this album is very well done! Great synth and guitar sounds, whilst still have the pumping, lively bass-drum sound of a real band. Peter Nicholls is perhaps on few peoples favorite singers list, but he always charms his way through with emotionally charged performances. IQ sounds better when he sings, whereas I prefer the instrumental parts on most other neoprog records.

The neo-progressive genre has its pitfalls. Assuming Marillion's Euraka-laden 'Misplace Childhood' needs endless re-enactment is one. Luckily IQ focuses on (darker) atmospherically advanced songs with strong melodies, introducing modern sounds and song-formats. Whereas the ability to give each song its own recognizable pallet and lasting impression has always been a Achilles heel of the genre, IQ is relatively successful on this album. The critics of the genre will however find the ten minute ending 'Guiding Light' to be a good example of this problem. Rightly so in my opinion, but since it's the only song printed on side four I can easily skip it.

Conclusion. With this album IQ launched a great professional high-fi sound for the 21th century, which was perhaps furthered by grittier works of Arena (Contagion), Galahad (Empires Never Last) and later works of Pendragon (I just ordered the 'Passion' vinyl). After that neo-prog would pave its way to a safe pop-refrain pastiche pinnacle - as did progressive metal. However, 'The Seventh House' is in my opinion rightly seen as part of the canon of the neo-prog genres most rewarding albums. It offers a well established sci-fi mystique and melancholy like few others. Four stars!