RESISTANCE

IQ and Marillion arguably "started" neo-prog (with their near-simultaneous 1983 releases, Script for a Jester's Tear and Tales from the Lush Attic, respectively). And they continue to be its standard-bearers, and most consistently creative, innovative and virtuoso bands. And although I don't agree with many of my colleagues here that Resistance is BETTER than Road of Bones, it is certainly equal (or almost so) in its relentless brilliance of lyrics, musicianship, and sound. Few bands can provide the stunning beauty of If Anything, the progressive fireworks of A Missile and Stay Down, the extended progressive magnificence of for Another Lifetime and The Great Spirit Way, and the sonic intensity of Alampandria all on one album? Peter Nicholls continues to write some of the most wonderful, if often esoteric, lyrics, and he has been and continues to be my favorite current vocalist in prog. And the band, with keyboardist Neil Durant now comfortably ensconced, continues to write and play some of the most compelling music in the genre. As others have pointed out, IQ is most heavily influenced by Genesis (as were so many early neo-prog bands), but as I have noted ad nauseam on these pages, for me the success of a neo-prog band is in the way in which they channel those influences through their own individual filters. IQ (and Marillion) does this better than anyone: I have always felt that they essentially continue to re-write Genesis' long-form songs (everything from Watcher and Friday, to Can Utility and Supper's Ready, from Firth of Fifth and Cinema Show, to Lilywhite Lilith and One For the Vine), particularly with Holmes' sound (the reverb and echo-heavy sound that Hackett made his own) and playing (Hackett's style is quite evident). This is not a criticism, it is the highest of compliments. I don't think there is a band whose new albums I anticipate more than IQ. They are simply a wonder. The consistency of their writing and performance, and the technical virtuosity of their playing, as well as Nicholls' expressive vocals, make them among the best of the best of prog. Bravo.