THE WAKE

IQ - one of a few number of bands whose song craft was very strong from the outset. Just listen to the reworked Seven Stories CD for that evidence. Tales was their first album proper and that showed plenty of promise, even if somewhat rushed. And maybe Gateway was extended beyond its means.

However, The Wake represents a tightening of the arrangements, better producion and a punchier approach.

Outer Limits, The Wake, The Magic Roundabout start things off in brilliant fashion. The latter of these has some monster guitar sounds.

Corners is next up, a rather ordinary, beat-driven song.

Widows Peak - WOW! Stunning.

The Thousand Days - Oh dear! One of their worst compositions, just plain irritating, but then it does have a lovely end with keyboard washes leading into the absolutely brilliant Headlong.

And then a fantastic bonus track in the form of the dreamy Dans Le Parc.

So 6 classics, worthy of 4 stars.

Genesis clones? Don't believe it.