FREQUENCY

After spinning this most anticipated release in my player for the past 3 days , I have come to the conclusion that I am neither wowed nor am I disappointed . This is IQ being IQ and there's nothing bad about that . The band simply goes about doing what they are accustomed to doing . Even with two new musicians , the sound is unmistakable . Right from the beginning with the opening track (which also happens to be the title track ) the mood is dark , bringing to mind the mood that permiated their last release . " Life Support " is a new twist on the style found in some of the tracks featured in THE LOST ATTIC - A COLLECTION OF RARITIES (1983-1999) while " Stronger Than Friction " does show the influence of the newer members of the band , if not in composition , certainly in sound. The remaining tracks are typical IQ at it's best , particularly " The Province " which is somewhat of an epic . Though some have critisized the work for lack of passion and for weak tracks ( Closer and One fatal mistake ) I find the album solid and worthy of the name it carries . " Closer " is a nice , softer side of the band and I have always enjoyed Peter Nicholl's whistful lyrics and regretful tone when performing songs like this one.

All in all , the album is unspectacular but then , much of IQ's work is . It is an solidly written , solidly performed piece of work that stands up well alonside the band's previous work and is leaps and bounds above the two efforts put out when Paul Menel was at the helm.

For anyone who enjoys the work of this enduring and persevering group of skilled musicians , FREQUENCY will not disappoint you as long as you aren't expecting anything cutting edge , ground breaking or mind blowing .