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EVER

IQ

 

Neo-Prog

4.07 | 766 ratings

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ElChanclas
4 stars As a fairly new IQ band (started digging into their catalog barely mid 2020) I do have one clear thought and disclaimer: I can't picture the band without Nicholls on vocals, not that I don't think that Paul Menel (Nomzamo & Are you sitting comfortably) might be a good singer, I just think that Peter is the best suit to this band's frontman role. With that being said, Ever pinpoints the return of Nicholls on vocals and to my ears the first IQ album to register that particular sound, melody craft and song-album structure that will be the band's signature to date.

The opening track The Darkest Hour starts with that characteristic fat bass line accompanied by some keys and electric guitar nuances before fading into the song body per se, sounding more late 80's style than early 90's? maybe more Marillion-like and I point Paul Cook's drumming for bringing that feeling to this mini epic and memorable tune. There's a light but important change midways, switching from the bright melodic atmosphere to a more darker and sinister statement in accordance with the lyrical content showcasing the brilliance that these musicians accomplish in their creations, beautiful guitar licks then lead to the final 2 plus minutes where the light came back to illuminate the listener's experience, classic IQ. The very emotional Fading Senses blends in without notice in a celestial and mellow way, with Nicholls performing at a very mature level transmitting the beautiful sadness of the concept before Mike Holmes brings the iconic Horror-like guitar licks like a haunted castle conductor for the rhythmic section, so tight and to the point that it almost goes without notice, same unique melody feel that Martin's keyboards will add to the table before the ending of the song? then some backing bird tweeting prepare the listener to another rhythmic section debate for the beginning of Out of Nowhere, the rocker of the album. Holmes heavy metal-like riffing opens a new mood sounding more like their previous work opposing (without degrading) the more prog sound of the first two songs with Nichols vocals resembling the Wake era, but not for long?coincidentally or smart enough that's the shortest piece of the record. Further away brings back the epic we were craving all along in a 14 plus minutes exceptional musical crafting. Blueprint Neo Prog melodic bass and keys mark the steps on which Nichols builds his vocal entrance, then again comes the heavy (but more dense and compact) riffing from Holmes while Cook's drumming confirms why he is one of the most beloved drummers of the genre

Lyrics: "Tension seekers and public speakers defend these they have come to judge, seasonned liars and false messiahs descend to lay on the feeling touch, and I've seen too much, day by day and I don't know why...after all, don't we matter the same?", and then the classic IQ guitar licks with the fat bass lines and fantasy built keyboards?too much?too perfect?too IQ, smartest of music played by amazingly talented musicians? and next fairytale bright melodies to bring balance to the darkness

Lyrics: "I was the first in that sinister bed closing the shutters and cutting the thread, shackled and fettered I know who you are bleeding the heart and the mind as the rivers run red, somebody said, "Here is Hell" how can someone make so sinister and sad lyrics sound so beautiful?

Leap of Faith, my favorite song from the album simply feels like an upgraded continuation of the previous song, so intelligently placed in the queue to almost distract the listener who's trying to decipher when it ends or when it begins, magnificent. Martin and Holmes battle for the primary roll giving us the pleasure of hearing such an exquisite tándem, a musical legacy like no other. I would have loved to see that tour live, watch all these incredible performances on stage, flawless and pristine, like all they do. Nothing lasts forever, unfortunately?Came Down follows the greatness already described, maintaining the same mood, look and feel of the previous 40 plus minutes, this time accepting the unwanted job of ending the masterpiece?vocal harmonies, guitar licks, tight rhythmic section and tasty and elegant keys all over again. If you reading this review have never listened to this band before this is your must to go album, success guaranteed!

ElChanclas | 4/5 |

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