DARK MATTER

I find it quite unbelievable that 3 weeks ago I had never heard of "IQ" and it was only to the thanks of Amazon that I was pointed in their direction. I downloaded 2 minute segments from the album DARK MATTER from their website and then loaded them up on my MP3 player - It took me only a few listens to make the decision to purchase this album (And The Seventh House & the 20th Anniversay DVD) and when it arrived I was not dissapointed. Where have these guys been all my life ? - Three weeks later and I have also purchased 6 more studio albums plus Martin Orfords solo album at a total cost of over £ 100.00 - Any regrets ? NO - This is wonderful melodic prog rock, great keyboard playing by the forementioned Martin Orford (Great soundscapes), awesome guitar from Michael Holmes backed up by superb bass & bass pedals from John Jowett and thumping drumming from Paul Cook (What fantastic tempo changes !!). The band is completed by the distinct vocal of Peter Nicholls - When I first listened I was not too sure if he was the weak link in the band but after 3 weeks, Peter is just as important to the band as the other four and somehow his vocals are correct for IQ's music style. I can't get enough of these guys at present and have my MP3 player glued to my ears at all opportune moments, much to the upset of my wife who thinks I am now married to IQ !!. I now find out that these guys are only a "Part Time" band, all have regular jobs and only to the music thing on evenings and weekends - Maybe this is why I had never heard of them. Get this album, and the previous 7 (You may want to give a miss to the 2 albums where Peter Nicholls left as these are less prog rock and more commercial but still have their moments) and I guarantee you will not be dissapointed. Can't wait for the next album in 2006 but a great pity that Paul Cook has decided to leave the band - They will struggle to find a like for like replacement.