NOMZAMO

Following the release of IQ's second album "The Wake", original lead vocalist Peter Nicholls left to form his own outfit called Niadem's Ghost. He would return to IQ a few years later, but meanwhile in his place came Paul (P. L.) Menel who sings on this, IQ's third album and writes all the lyrics. Whether coincidental or not, "Nomzamo" also signals the beginning of a shift in emphasis for IQ, in much the same way as their mentors Genesis had experienced several years earlier. Admittedly, the music here does not involve a wholesale migration towards disco pop or cod-soul, but there is for the most part a definite change in style here.

Reassuringly, the Genesis style of previous albums is there in the "Squonk"-ish opener "No Love Lost". Indeed and perhaps deliberately, the track shows the migration from Nicholls to Menel to be similar to the Gabriel to Collins change for "A trick of the tail". As with this album as a whole, the style is prog-lite, the music retaining many of the positive tenets such as strong melodies, lush keyboards, and impressive guitar work.

"Promises (As The Years Go By)" takes us towards the sound of Yes, but once again, away from their true prog period. Here we have an "Owner of a lonely heart" like pop rock number with strong harmonies and a toe-tapping beat. OK, not much prog, but it's all good clean fun. The title track is in the style of (Fish) Marillion, and as such is one of the albums most progressive affairs. "Still life" is a fine prog ballad, complete with some impressive sax (Ray Carless) and keyboards. The vocals here actually sound similar to those on IQ's more recent work "Dark Matter".

"Passing strangers" is the most overt attempt at a hit single on the album, with more than a passing hint of Asia. Embarrassingly enjoyable, but hardly memorable. The longest track here is "Human Nature" at around 9½ minutes. While the song does boast slightly more in the way of instrumental development and prog nuances, it remains fundamentally accessible (not a criticism). For my money, "Screaming" is the low point of the entire album. The track is a muddled pop rock affair, sounding much like the mass produced electro-pop of the period. The closing "Common Ground" makes for a fitting elegy, with pleasant "Wish you were here" like synth and a fine vocal performance.

Overall, an enjoyable album from IQ. Those seeking pure prog will hold their hands up in horror at the thought of yet another prog band doing a Genesis, but the fact is that the changes here are far less pronounced, and thus far more natural. Not a perfect album by any means, but worthy of attention.

Of the bonus tracks on the CD, "Colourflow" is interesting as it features a duetting female vocal by Micky Groome. The track is light and wispy, and was probably correctly left of the original album. It is worth a listen though. The other two additional tracks are a pared back rendition of the opening track, and a live one of the closer.

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