TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC

Tales From The Lush Attic was IQ's first album, but it sounds fresher and more invigorating than anything Genesis were coming out with at the time. The key comparison would be to Trespass through end of Gabriel era Genesis musically with very poetic and strange lyrics set against a backdrop of complex yet accessible progressive structures. The side long track "The Last Human Gateway" is a masterpiece and makes Marillion sound like the frail and tuneless group they were during the early Fish era. One might ask what is the main difference here between the two bands who were supposed to bring us back to the best days of Early Genesis. Peter Nicholls is the main difference- a singer with a voice closer to Robert Smith in the Cure than a bad imitation of Bruce Dickinson which is what Fish ultimately sounded like. Nicholls has a sound of his own and writes lyrics that match Gabriel for stirring and sometimes depressing subject matter. The symphonic keyboards, excellent constantly revolving rhythms, and at times impressive guitar create the perfect backdrop for the melodic and unusual vocals. I am not sure what "The Last Human Gateway" is about, but it brings to mind the best aspects of early Genesis and is a true epic song. I would recommend all of IQ's albums both with Nicholls and with Paul Menel to anyone who feels that any prog band from the 80s has to have been bad- these guys were a major exception. Every song here is great with strong melodies and fresh, invigorating ideas. Especially nice is the high level of melody and low level of self-indulgence. IQ are a really talented group and in Martin Orford they had one of the best keyboard players in a band of any genre. In fact, sometimes Martin is so good I prefer him to Tony Banks. If you don't mind long tracks full of arcane imagery and at times melodramatic vocals (I love both things!) then IQ are a welcome addition to your collection. This album is a good place to start, and has held up better than most of the post Gabriel era Genesis albums for me. A great band who don't deserve to be called "neo prog," that's not what they were about. IQ were and are a real progressive band, and they will always be one of my favourite bands of the 80s, particularly for having really moving vocalists (especially Peter Nicholls).