TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC

How come I have not reviewed this album yet until today? This is especially when I claim myself as a fan of neo prog music? Despite the fact that I only knew this album after I enjoyed the band's second album "The Wake" which also represented my first introduction to the music of IQ. It's always so good to learn the band especially when it first started with the debut album. As I listened to this album after "The Wake" and in fact after "Nomzamo", spinning this album is really enjoyable. What we have here is the original line up of IQ before John Jowitt joined the band.

The opening track "The Last Human Gateway" (19:57) represents the band's exploration into symphonic prog music in its best. Even though the recording quality sounds raw but it still not bad in sonic quality especially with the excellent composition of each track featured here. One might find how the music changes its style and tempo from the opening part, middle of the track especially when guitar fills overlay the long sustain keyboard work. It's so nice. The band also demonstrates how good they are in creating catchy and memorable melodies through vocal line and musical chords and notes. Peter Nichols sings beautifully and his voice has become a trademark of IQ music. Martin combines his work as rhythm section and some keyboard solo which creates good textures of the music. Tim Essau provides tight bass lines during this track.

"Through The Corridors" (2:35) is almost a rocker with inventive keyboard work by Martin and powerful vocal line by Peter. Mike Holmes provides excellent guitar work to support the keyboard part. His style sounds like Steve Hackett, sometimes. "Awake And Nervous" (7:45) is the band's classic which then became live favorites. It has beautiful keyboard, nice music riffs and excellent vocal line. "My Baby Treats Me Right ´Cos I´m A Hard Lovin´ Man All Night Long" (1:45) is a short bridge that contains a really nice piano solo work heavily influenced by classical music. Even though it's relatively a short track, I really enjoy it. "The Enemy Smacks" (13:49) is one of my favorite IQ songs. I like the energy, the dynamic composition and how the combination of guitar, keyboard and vocal provides good harmony. Observe the opening part and then enjoy the part when Peter first enters the vocal line. The music then moves beautifully in relatively fast tempo with great melody. It's kicking!

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. By the time of writing this review, I have enjoyed all studio albums by IQ and to me IQ is probably the only band who is still consistent in the style of music they are making and playing until today. You would not have any trouble assessing the music of IQ even from this excellent debut album. It will give you the whole picture of IQ music. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW