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IQ - Frequency CD (album) cover

FREQUENCY

IQ

 

Neo-Prog

4.11 | 1014 ratings

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Mellotron Storm
Prog Reviewer
4 stars How consistant has this band been with Peter Nicholls as their vocalist ? Well the seven studio albums he has sung on are all rated around 4 stars. And the thing is there is no agreement on which one is their best. Any one of those seven could be a favourite of an IQ fan. Some lineup changes on this one with drummer Paul Cook leaving and being replaced by Andy Edwards from FROST. So we have the FROST rhythm section at work here. And the great Martin Orford has left to be replaced by Mark Westworth on keyboards. Speaking of FROST, the band thanks Declan Burke among others.

"Frequency" opens with different samples of broadcasts before the drums and mellotron come crashing in.The guitar a minute in is fantastic, synths follow. A calm with piano 2 minutes in, then the master vocalist Mr.Nicholls starts to sing as only he can. Haunting guitar sounds come and go. It kicks in at 4 minutes with some nice drum work. Guitar, mellotron and synths come and go. Jowitt is prominant with some nice bass lines. Just a great sounding track. I love this band ! "Life Support" opens with piano and reserved vocals. When the vocals stop 2 1/2 minutes in check out the atmosphere. Guitar and drums come in and I like the bass after 4 minutes. Nice synth work too. More great atmosphere after 6 minutes.

"Stronger Than Fiction" features a strong rhythm section as the guitar plays over top. Vocals before a minute. It settles 4 minutes in and doesn't pick back up until after 6 minutes. Mellotron 7 1/2 minutes in, and it's so uplifting 8 minutes in when the guitar joins in. Amazing ! The song eventually blends into "One Fatal Mistake" which is such a beautiful and laid back tune. Check out the lyrics: "You broke me, you have no idea. In darkness, I see more than hear. Impossible, even I can say. Many would have walked away. A lifetime of living a lie. Like daylight shot out of the sky. So did the truth ever set you free ? Got nothing but that hold on me". Love the atmosphere 4 1/2 minutes in then it blends into "Ryker Skies". Reserved vocals come out of the spacy sounds and strummed guitar. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice guitar, drums and bass here. Check out the organ after 3 1/2 minutes. An atmospheric calm around 5 1/2 minutes. Vocals and vibes a minute later. It kicks back in before 7 1/2 minutes. Lots of synths and drums then mellotron and vocals join in.

The Province" is the longest track at almost 14 minutes. Acoustic guitar early as vocals join in. Samples before 2 1/2 minutes then heavy drums and organ dominate. Incredible ! Mellotron joins in then it settles back down. The contrasts continue. It's so emotional when it kicks in before 4 1/2 minutes. Soaring guitar before 10 1/2 minutes. Piano and vocals end it. "Closer" opens with guitar as the atmosphere rolls in. Vocals before a minute. Drums and bass a minute later. It kicks in before 4 minutes with drums and organ then Peter cries out the words "Hold on...". The lyrics are so meaningful and emotional in this song.

They did it again ! Not surprised just happy. God bless IQ.

Mellotron Storm | 4/5 |

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