THE WAKE

Back in '85 I was a huge Marillion fan. I remember being nailed to the ground when those first chords of Misplaced Childhood rang from my brother's room. I never checked out IQ though and judging from this album I didn't miss much. Marillion was obviously in debt to Genesis, Floyd and Hammill but at least they sounded professional and quickly evolved into a personal style. A clone of the imitator was the last thing I was waiting for and that is exactly what IQ is.

There are a few differences with Marillion. First of all, if there's one enjoyable aspect about this album then it is the huge Steve Hackett influenced guitar playing of Mike Holmes. Steve Rothery was more of a Gilmour/Latimer man. Mike Holmes is Hackett and he does it quite well. Also Martin Orford is good on keys. They are too loud in the mix but generally provide a good background atmosphere, very reminiscent of 'soft-Genesis' ('75-'77 era) with a slightly melancholic twist.

The biggest distinction with Genesis / Marillion is the voice of Peter Nicholls. It is not reminding me of Gabriel and Collins at all. Unfortunately that is not a good thing as it is really unsatisfying and at times grating. On a track like Outer Limits he can hardly hold his tone. His delivery is rather stale and lacks sense for melody. As a result the vocal lines are very predictable and unimaginative. Easily the worst vocals in prog since Chris Squire ;)

Given the general appraisal I had really hoped I would enjoy this album but it is second-rate really. Wish I could close my ears to the vocals and just listen to the lush keys and guitars, that might make it deserve one star more.