As one of the so-called “neo prog” bands of the 80s, IQ could be considered one of the second stringers in the progressive rock movement, despite being almost 30 years old. But that’s grossly unfair. The British quintet owes its longevity to two factors: a devotion to the traditional sounds and arrangements of prog (note the Mellotrons), which gives the band’s music a timeless, trend-dismissing feel, and an emphasis on melody over gratuitous soloing. Thus the songs on Frequency boast strong tunes that deliberately overshadow the song lengths, complexity and whatever the lyrics are on about, giving monsters like “The Province” and pithier tracks like “Life Support” and the title track an immediate appeal. Frequency won’t convert prog haters, but if your tastes run even slightly in that direction, IQ is sure to please.
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