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IQ - IQ20 - The Twentieth Anniversary Show CD (album) cover

IQ20 - THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SHOW

IQ

 

Neo-Prog

4.42 | 67 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Stunning Neo Prog Live Performance!

I should have reviewed this excellent DVD right away after I watched it last year when a friend of mine bought me the DVD during business trip to London. To me it was valuable gift because I have been a fan of IQ. Oh yes, I love the band since they released "The Wake" album and I got the cassette version which, finally, I upgraded to CD sometime in 1997. To me, IQ is very important because the band has successfully created music with many memorable segments in nearly every song they write. The memorable segments typically come out from the soft guitar work of Mike Holmes or keyboard solo by Martin Orford or vocals of Peter Nichols or it could be combination of both or three of them. Martin and Mike were previously with the band, called The Lens, before they formed IQ. I remember vividly that from The Wake album I got memorable melodies from songs like "The Wake", "Widow's Peak", "Headlong" and "The Magic Roundabout". Since then I always purchased albums (live and studio) of IQ until the last one "Dark Matter".

This concert commemorates the band's 20 Years of Prog Nonsense (that's how exactly the opening screen welcomes us!) at The Mean Fiddler, London, 15 December 2001 (exactly the 12th birthday of my daughter, Dian). The DVD comes out with double disc with disc one contains material from the show and disc two contains special features (Encores, The Lens, Photo Gallery, etc.). Everything is packaged in deluxe cardboard with printed history of the band. Phisically, it's quite good packaging - especially for those who love the band.

Disc One: The Show

The opening scene contains evolution of a band which includes how IQ logo has evolved. Personally, I like this portion because I followed the band since The Wake album so I could feel how the change has impacted the fans. The scene then focuses on stage where Martin Orford comes out to the stage and stand at his keyboard equipment. His pulsating keyboard which sounds the intro of "Awake and Nervous" provides entrance for guitar, bass and drums to take their parts. Peter Nichols takes his microphone stand to sing. Stage-act wise, these gentlemen do not seem very good in stage act. But it's okay, their individual performance is great. The music flows naturally to "The Thousand Days - The Magic Roundabout". All melodies sound familiar to my ears and I really enjoy this track. On "Erosion" the band plays excellent and memorable melodies and so the audience enjoy the songs featured.

The medley "State of Mine" (Subterranea) - "Leap of Faith" - "Came Down" (Ever) bring the music into uplifting mood as this medley offers wonderful melodies and harmonies. "The Seventh House" is also performed with practically no mistake at all. On "Human Nature" the band invites Tony Wright on stage to play saxophone. Well, this song means a lot to me as it was part of my favorite songs with good melody. I like Tony Wright's contribution at "Capricorn". Just before the saxophone work, Peter Nichols and Mike Holmes made some jokes between the two and a bit disturbing Nichols's singing. It's okay as it indicates the band looks more fun.

Right after "Guiding Light" the band provides break for Peter Nichols to communicate with the audience on the changing personnel throughout the band's career in the early years. What a big surprise when Nichols introduces previous bass player TIM ESAU to come on stage playing the bass guitar. "This is the first time ever that the five of us on stage together to perform the song we have never played together on stage.. and this is HEADLONG .." [Nichols' introductory words] Wow!!! Man . this is "the" thing man .. because I love this song very very very much! The melody of this song is really killing me man! I always repeat this song whenever I play "The Wake" album. And sorry .. I have to tell you the lyrics of this song because I always sing along when I listen to this song:

"I'm here. The ragged burden come to nothing. Comfort go. We drift. I talk with you and hear you though you're never here. Hovering above me like a net. I'm terrified to look beyond the threat. I kill ambition while I can". Oh my God what a melodious music segment this one is!

The music which combines keyboard solo and guitar riffs is really nice. Overall performance of this song is perfect with each player contributes the subtleties of sounds and nuances perfectly the same with studio version. It's an awesome performance and I always repeat it many times. Quite ashamed to tell you that tears almost flow in my eyes hearing how melodic this song is. It's so memorable and so legendary that this track is finally performed live by the band. Thanks IQ!

Disc Two: Special Features

The producer of the concert is brilliant putting the encores under bonus disc. It's like another show in itself and it starts energetically with "Subterranea". At this Encores the band members look more relax with their performance. John Jowitt does a lot of movement on stage. The crowd sing along "Subterranea" with Nichols. Tony Wright comes on stage again to give his sax work in Subterranea. Paul Cook's drumming is excellent. Right after Tony Wright's solo the music turns into reggae music where Peter Nichols introduces each member of the band. It's really friendly and dynamic in nuance.

The other track which I also love is "The Wake" and the band plays it live with original bass player Tim Esau. This track is performed much more dynamic here at live version than the original studio version.

The disc also includes the performance of Martin Orford and Mike Holmes band before they formed IQ - The Lens. The music of The Lens was very influential to the music of IQ. All backstage activities also featured here and quite entertaining.

Overall, this is an excellent live set DVD and its special features worth collecting for those who like neo progressive music. It's a must for IQ fans. Highly recommended!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

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