DARK MATTER

IQ has long been my favorite Neo-prog band and I was eagerly awaiting this album. I am sorry to report that this is the least consistent effort from the band since the weak Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably? lps released those many years ago. I read a lot of positive reviews before purchasing and it just does not do well. One reviewer reported that it sounds as if they are bashing the US or US politics and that certainly seems the case. I listen to music to escape from politics, not to be beat over the head with it. Even if I am off base on the meaning of the lyrics, the music just does not gel well. It meanders and lacks substance. Sure there is some nice playing but on this release, but the best parts seem to be stuck in in various spots, not coheesive parts of the compositions. I still put IQ at the top of the Neo camp, however, this album is a disappointment in both composition and subjet. I would only recommend this to the most ardent IQ fan.