IQ - Ever. 1993 England

By 1993, progressive rock had found its roots again, and with new-on-the-scene bands like Anglagard and Anekdoten blowing everyone away with their modern take on 1972, a group like IQ didn't seem to have an audience anymore, especially after such a long silence and having released two commercially oriented, and arguably failed, albums. The logical choice would've been for them to join what was now known as the Neo Prog movement, which already had quite a large niche audience itself. Bands such as Marillion and Pendragon were enjoying a cult-like status and they had many emulators. Peter Nicholls was back at the microphone, with Jadis' John Jowitt now on bass, but could IQ regain their fans? Ever was the result. This is the album, of course in retrospect, they should have released for Polygram. Picking up right where The Wake leaves off, with the near 11 minute opening 'The Darkest Hour', IQ climbed back on that tightrope of balancing complex progressive rock with a more poppy approach. There are plenty of quirks and complicated meters to please the more discerning listener, while still delivering accessible melodies and structures for the more commercial oriented. The opener is followed by the two-part 'Fading Senses', which is as good a track as IQ had ever recorded up this point (other than 'Widow's Peak' of course). A multi-segmented piece with some stunning atmospheric keyboard work, impassioned vocals, and driving electric guitar. The 14 minute+ 'Further Away' brings back the epic opus, with all its sections/meter changes/dynamics/climaxes - and demonstrates that IQ are ready and willing to sign back up for all-in progressive rock. They hadn't quite given up their pop aspirations, as can be heard on 'Out of Nowhere' and 'Came Down' (good examples of commercial rock, however). With Ever, IQ were back in the saddle. And they never strayed again. In fact, they would turn the dial even more towards complex progressive rock, while moving further away from any thoughts of commercial stardom. Except perhaps one last look back.......... said Lot's wife.

Ownership: CD: 1993 Giant Electric Pea

12/14/14