SUBTERRANEA

I've been reviewing IQ's albums in reverse, and am probably going to sound like I am repeating myself with this reivew.........much like the music of IQ. Which is not to say that it is bad or that I don't like it to some extent. For the most part, I don't reveiw albums that I hate (though sometimes, when I see a glowing review of one, I will do it).

This album is their attempt at a prog double "concept" album. I can understand the Lamb Lies Down comparisons. Firstly, this concept is just as opaque and incomprehensible as the Lamb. After reading about it on a website somewhere, I guess it is not as strange as the Lamb's concept, but had I not read what it was somewhere I would never have been able to guess what it was (much like the Lamb.........though that one has a story in the liner notes that helps you understand the lyrics, but still doesn't help you understand the concept). Also, it could be argued that most neo-prog bands sounds are derived from the overall sound of Genesis on the Lamb. I would say that is a pretty fair argument. Beyond that, though, this really isn't that similar to the Lamb.

Like the next two IQ albums, I have difficulty knowing which song is playing or telling any of them apart. This is mostly due to the similar sound, style, and dynamics of each. IQ just doesn't have much in the way of memorable melodies for me. Still, it is all very well played, with some nice solos and instrumental sections. The singing is acceptable (Nichols gets better with each album it seems) and the lyrics are interesting in their opaque fasion. But I just can't give this a high rating. I pull it out once in a while to see if something will click, but overall it just washes over me and I can't pick out individual songs as being highlights or low points.

So if nothing else, IQ are consistent. For some reason, I like this band more than just about any other neo band (most of which I don't care for at all). So for that alone, I will bump this rating up from 2.75 to 3 for the archives. But really, I probably wouldn't recomend it to those interested in checking this band out. For that I'd say try the Seventh House or The Wake.

Share this IQ review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to
• Report this review (#95965)
• Buy IQ music online with PA partners
• Show all IQ MP3/Stream
• Go to IQ page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Subterranea page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for IQ related discussions