TALES FROM THE LUSH ATTIC

'Tales From the Lush Attic' is the famed 1983 debut studio album by IQ, one of the pioneering acts of the second wave of the British progressive rock scene, and as one of the first neo-prog records (alongside Marillion's 'Script'), it is characterized by a synth-driven style of rock, atmospheric guitars and a tendency for long and sophisticated suites with multiple tempo changes, in the vein of the genre's originators - Genesis, Camel, and Yes in particular. Characteristics of neo-prog are the semi-gothic aesthetics of the bands and the traces of a post-punk affinity in the songwriting, which are elements carried by multiple early releases coming from this underground scene, with 'Tales From the Lush Attic' being no exception. The melodramatic, high-pitched singing style of Peter Nicholls is definitively one of the key elements behind IQ's appeal, together with the intense and technical playing.

For what concerns the contents of this album, this is a five-track LP split in two sides, with a short instrumental interlude and a rather unrewarding attempt for a marketable single (in the face of the second album track). Apart from these, what one might find really appealing on here is the majestic 20-minute-long opening suite called 'The Last Human Gateway'. A composition that is directly inspired by the classic progressive rock records of the 70s and impresses with its pastoral soundscapes, masterful instrumental parts and vigorous melodies - of which the main one carries a moodier sentiment, which immediately gives the whole record a darker edge. 'Awake and Nervous' from side two brings the trademark symphonic sound, with some sophisticated passages and enjoyable sweeping guitars, while the closing piece 'The Enemy Smacks' seems to be the most relentless song on the album, and for what concerns the reviewer, one of the perfect neo-prog epics. This is a theatrical, up-tempo retro prog album that showcases most of IQ's strengths and capabilities - and while some may dislike the synth-driven dynamics of this early 80s album, it remains an essential neo-prog classic.

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