ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY ?

The real goal for the music industry around IQ finally took shape after ''Nomzamo''.For the first time the band performed some all European shows with a major success with a fan base following their music.A succesful recipe never changes and IQ re-enter the studios with Rush'es producer Terry Brown to record a similar-sounding work.The album ''Are You Sitting Comfortably?'' was eventually released in 1989,originally on Squawk Records.

No significant changes occured on this effort compared to ''Nomzamo'',the sound still is a mix of accesible Neo Progressive Rock with 80's Pop aesthetics,however there is a bit of structural change on the compositions.While ''Nomzamo'' offered a mix of pure Pop and some Prog tracks,in ''Are You Sitting Comfortably?'' IQ mix these elements in the same compositions, resulting some long arrangements by the band,where the grandiose symphonic keyboards are combined with the catchy choruses.Of course there are also a couple of Pop Rock tracks added for good measure like ''Drive on'' or ''Sold on you'', which are pretty excellent regarding the style,showcasing the great songwriting the skills of the band's members.However the mass of the compositions are different than these exceptions.Orford often delivers amazing symphonic-styled synthesizers and we will find Mike Holmes offering at last some of his early-80's incredible solos as well.These demanding sections will alternate with up-tempo and easy-listening tunes,led by Menel's very good performance.The result is a pretty cohesive release, still far from the early albums of the band,but definitely a step forward than ''Nomzamo''.Additionally all of the tracks are well-crafted and memorable and that is certainly a plus.

Slightly better than ''Nomzamo'', the 4th studio release of IQ will send some hope for a change of direction in the future,as the band headed to some progressive-structured compositions on this effort with traces of their early career.Not a very demanding album by any means,but even this way many Neo Prog bands would be proud of creating such a nice work.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

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