FREQUENCY

IQ's 'Frequency' at first just sounded like another pleasant release by the band. A great production sound, some longer tracks, and some great progressive moments that even evoke King Crimson. The album also has some direct quotations of Genesis as usual. It was only after listening the album for months that I actually started to familiarize myself with it. The first song that stood out to me was 'Ryker Skies' with its imminent and dark sci-fi atmospheres. It just hits you and the interludes are very effective as well. The opening track 'Frequency' is a great up-tempo track as well. Then the rest of the album grew on me. I don't always like the almost mandatory cheesy Marillion-type endings of IQ's albums, but the aptly titles 'Closer' is actually one of my favorite songs on this album. Great drums patterns on the main theme and a strong majestic middle section. The band introduces Mark Westworth on keyboards here and he plays some fine keyboard solo's here. The guitar leads by Mike Holmes are particularly well recorded on this album, sometimes reminding me of the thick tone of Nick Barrett from Pendragon. After listening to it more often these days I can say this has become one of my favorite albums of the band. There isn't a single moment on it that interrupts its integrity or artistic finesse. Not at al challenging to listen to (like for instance 'Resistance'), this is by no means a special album in the band's discography. Yet, it is special to me. Can't wait for the first vinyl print that was announced this year (2020).