EVER

Like a lot of 1990s Neo Prog, IQ's antiquated synths tinge the band's musical contributions from the middle half of their 40 years. Even then, I used to cringe at some of those "inaccurate" sounds generated by the sampling technologies available from the 1980s (which happened quite a lot, actually, as my brother is a collector of keyboards and computer sound-generators. Nothing like the 70s synths.) The imitation of classical and world instruments via computer has never been a very advanced science--which is probably why so many bands have reverted to hiring strings, choruses, and orchestras to accompany/embellish their music fantasies. The 90s Neo Prog band keys sound like fairy music.

1. "The Darkest Hour" (10:52) (16.25/20) 2. "Fading Senses" (6:36) (8.5/10) - i. After All - ii. Fading Senses 3. "Out Of Nowhere" (5:10) a fast start into GENESIS-land is delayed and switched to standard hairband rock at the one minute mark. Nice coda at the 3:00 mark. (8.5/10) 4. "Further Away" (14:30) a very good prog epic. This one almost makes the album worth owning. (27/30) 5. "Leap Of Faith" (7:22) The instrumental parts become so Genesisian. Aside from the vocals, the best track on the song. (13.5/15) 6. "Came Down" (5:57) again, the opening sound and chord palette feels too Genesis-like. Drums, bass, and b vox are horrible--just tired and dragging! Ouch! (7/10)

Total Time: 50:27

Maybe the messages of their lyrics are important. Otherwise, I'm not all that impressed. There's too much of a sameness to every Peter Nicholls vocal delivery.

B/four stars; a valid, if somewhat derivative, contribution to Prog World's Neo Prog effort.

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