IQ- Sacred Sound (First Listen)

[@32ndBrother]

Love IQ Subterainia is a masterpiece

[@rogerwaters3165]

This song made me happy for some reason the bass was killing it!

[@RayRay-ot5xd]

One of my favorites from the 80's - 2000's. They take the Genesis structure and give it a gothic sheen. Peter's voice and his lyrics always stand out for me and made me a huge fan. All musicians are top notch, but it's Pete that draws me in. Early albums are more Genesis influenced, with the late 80's a different sound and singer. Then Pete comes back to sing on 1994's gothic prog classic Ever and they don't look back, (a highlight is 1998's concept album Subterranea, their Lambs Lie Down on Broadway, so to speak). Their sound is harder lately, but I haven't been disappointed yet.

[@franckb8279]

IQ is the most well kept secret from the Neo-prog British rock. The closest to first Genesis era. All albums are jewels. Try Subterranea, Ever, The road of bones, The seventh house, Frequency and Dark matter from which this song is from. Yes they are not the first but they put the prog genre to a level so high, and the modernity of the sound is quiet enjoyable, and I'mp happy IQ and others continue in the present to hold the torch of prog genre. Love prog, but not every kind, IQ are unique, they sound like Genesis and Yes, DreamTheather perhaps, but they do original music.

[@darknessblackened]

Tales From the Lush Attic too. All the works with Mike Nichols are masterworks. Nomzamo and Are you Comfortably Now are only goods álbums.

[@analogpro7]

I just discovered IQ. No idea how I missed such a fantastic band!! Thank you for sharing this!! I’ve already gone out and listened to 4 of their albums at random. Soooo good!! I wish IQ would get noticed more. Truly a hidden gem.

[@kuhnhan]

The beginning reminds me of the beginning of "Watcher of the Skies" by Genesis. Good instrumental. The guitarist sounds to have been influenced by Steve Hackett. Nothing wrong with that.

[@lemming9984]

Coincidence Justin. I was listening to this yesterday, and thought I would recommend it to you. Loved IQ since I first saw them at a small club in the mid 80's. Their 2nd album - The Wake is great too.

[@JustJP]

Great timing!

[@elbardodeletrian]

Hi, JP! First of all, I want to thank you for taking into account my recommendation of "Sacred Sound" by IQ. I'm very pleased that you found things here that you liked, despite that evil KZbin ad. I understand what you're saying about Peter Nicholls' voice. Maybe you haven't quite gotten used to it yet! But yes, I agree that he tends to shine in the gentler songs or sections. Regarding your question, I personally listen to both classic and modern progressive rock. Trying to calculate how much a modern progressive artist resembles the great classics seems to me not to be an intelligent approach to the subject. I think it's best to focus on composition. If the song works and does things right, it will be able to stand on its own no matter how much influence from the classics it may have. If the song doesn't work, it doesn't matter how many Mellotrons you put in it! This applies to both modern progressive artists and even classics. No intention of starting a war, but to clarify my point: I never liked Emerson, Lake and Palmer, in spite of being one of the biggest prog bands ever. I don't doubt that they are excellent musicians, but what they do is, for me, so strongly show-offy that they take me out of the pleasure of their music. On the other hand, to mention a modern progressive artist: Robert Reed is so desperately trying to BE Mike Oldfield, that when I hear his material I can't find him; not to mention it makes me wonder why all his obvious musical mastery couldn't be used to write 100% original and personal music instead of leaning toward the gimmick of the perfect imitation of another musician. On the other hand, IQ may have large borrowing from Genesis, Peter Nicholls may not always have the best vocal delivery, but the last 5 albums of this band are so solid that their music overcomes these shortcomings, and I don't even notice them because I'mbusy enjoying what I'm listening. I hope this makes sense. Well, I must be going to work right now. Thank you very much for this video! Peace, and keep it up!

[@jaybird4093]

Ezequiel Ferriol Thanks for the rec, Ezequiel.

[@sidecardog5244]

Thanks for the recommendation. I’ve been listening to IQ for a couple of months. Mostly the Frequency and Road of Bones albums. Now I need to explore their earlier works.

[@JustJP]

Ty so much Ez!

[@magister8084]

Great, great band. The most genesisque band today. Full of great songs!

[@benrichardson7306]

I discovered this album years ago (I'm guessing around 2004) when I bought a random copy at a flea market in Mexico. I'd never heard of the band before. This album is one of my favorites to this day. It's excellent driving music--high energy and great sing-along choruses throughout. There isn't a bad track on this album. Besides "Sacred Sound," "You Never Will" and "Born Brilliant" are both excellent--great grooves, great melodies, great lyrics. The worst song on the album is "Red Dust Shadow," which is merely good. Then there's "Harvest of Souls" which is the epic. I gotta say, I'm not real keen on the first couple of parts but after that it picks up beautifully and becomes a very powerful conclusion to the album. I tried a few other albums by IQ but nothing ever compared to this one. I would love to see reactions to more songs off this album. Of course you should sample songs from other albums too, maybe you'll like them more than I did. I think others have already mentioned, this band is heavily influenced by Genesis. The keyboard intro to this song is done in the style of "Watcher of the Skies"--keys alone which fade into the (unrelated) first groove of the song, only to return later mixed in with the other instruments. The guitarist's lead style is very much like Steve Hackett. The last song on the album, "Harvest of Souls," is structurally a rip-off of "Supper's Ready," with a few tweaks. (I love that the "Apocalypse" section borrows the groove from the song before it.) Anyways, more from this album, please. :)

[@JustJP]

Ty Ben! I think I'll eventually do more from them🙃

[@thegreypigeon]

I agree with you .. when I first heard bands like IQ, Haken etc it made me so happy that the prog standard was being taken forward with a modern feel .. a music that gives me the same good feeling as those groups did back in the 70's Bravo that you continue to highlight a wide variety of styles

[@JustJP]

Ty grey! They're keeping the prog ship on the high seas

[@tommeloman6969]

Please react to more IQ They are an epic band…

[@Tintop]

uuh wow.. this was my first IQ Album ... it got me into neoprog. Harvest of Souls from the same album is a great song too. But my favourite albums by IQ are "Subterranea" from 1997 and "The Seventh House" from 2000. You either hate the singers voice or not... it's polarising

[@AlexAlex-dr9zc]

Hi JP ! What you have here is simply one of the greatest prog rock bands ever. I do hope you'll dig deep in their work, filled with extraordinary gems !

[@JustJP]

Ty Alex!

[@paulocunha357]

Never heard of these guys. Very nice!

[@richardw4336]

I thought I had heard of this band so I had to go and have look at their discography and realised that someone had played me The Wake many years ago and I'd not really liked it and hadn't given them a second thought since then. Hearing this now I quite liked it. ( When the advert started I thought ' well that's a weird turn' until you said what was going on). Another band I'm listening to because of this channel. I'm not sure I'll listen to much more but this certainly made a better impression than the first time I heard them.

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

Thanks for the review. I liked it, but I think I'll give a nod to "Watcher of the Skies" for that intro. ;)

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

Wonderful album. Real good songs on it. The last song, The Harvest Of Souls is their Suppers Ready. A great great song.

[@MrHistorian123]

I have all IQ's albums. This was their last album with keyboard player Martin Orford, who retired from music. His keyboard work on this track is as good as it gets. Fabulous track.

[@olemartinsen9733]

Het Justin! Great channel! I really enjoy your prog reactions! In reference to the comment about never bands who stand out, there are some bands from the Scandinavian prog scene who have got internatial attention and praise! Especially the swedish band Änglagard and also White Willow from Norway. They really stand out when it comes to quality! As fan of old school prog for more than 40 years. I’ve heard quite a lot, but these bands really stand out! Check out Änglagards debut Hybris, and White Willows mid release Sacrament album! I really think you would like them! Also check out Genesis masterpiece The Lamb! Their creative peak in my opinion!

[@JustJP]

Thanks so much Ole! Sounds interesting

[@JeromeDukes]

First listen for me and basically Justin you mentioned mostly what I thought of the song. I was hooked in the beginning of the song. The drum groove in conjunction with the bass was cool. I enjoy the various guitar riff and solos. I didn't really care for the softer slow part of the song. I was more into the energy provided by the drums, bass, guitar and keys. In regards to the vocals, the melody was good, just not great. Not sure if it's a song I will revisit, I would have to loop the song a few time, to see if it sticks with me. In regards to new vs old bands in any genre. I think the "amount of time and age" is a huge factor if I will LOVE a band. For me to love Rush the way I do doesn't happen by listening to a song here or there. There has to be a devotion in some cases that takes years to achieve. In my day, it was quite normal to listen to an album hundreds of times. Today for me with new music, it really comes down to how a melody makes me feel. Even still, if I love the song, doesn't mean I really love the band. New prog band like Tool, Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree, I like some of their songs but I've never invested the time to listen to their albums. I'm not even sure I have the time as I did in my youth, to be consumed in the manner required to achieve that devotion. Thus far listening to a reaction channel, I've heard some killer songs and even though I know there's something there I like, I have no urge to go through that band's catalog. The only band thus far that I have REALLY started to go through their catalog is Camel. The main reason, i love their soaring melodies. Their music effects me and has a hypnotic feel on me. Anyway Justin, your question is a hard one to answer and I'm not sure if there is a correct answer, however i believe "Time and Age" are a factor. I have a question for you. In your youth growing up, are there any modern bands that you are nostalgic about? Will you ever feel the same way (like I feel about Rush) with lets say Dream Theatre a band you grew up with. In addition, you are a fan of Genesis, but you are just beginning that journey with them. Even so are you willing to dedicate your time to that journey, to know ever nuance of a song in a large chunk of their catalog, to know the lyrics, their history etc? Lastly nostalgic means memories to me. Most people growing up today, don't have the benefit of the radio like we did. The radio was part of the family life. That's a huge chunk of memories the youth of today don't have.

[@JustJP]

Time and age works as an answer, and it definitely makes sense. At this current time I'm back into my "deep" musical exploration phase of life (hence the channel helping a lot with me finding more music), whereas a few years ago I had slowed down a bit. Regarding your question, I'd say yes. While I don't currently listen to them, I do occasionally listen to a few of my favorite songs from them now and again. Of course, this applies to other bands I "grew up" on and even if I don't listen to them constantly, I still revisit them on occasion (Linkin Park, Slipknot, etc.). Some have aged nicely for me and I still enjoy them, some have absolutely not lol. And the question about learning everything about them, lyrics, history, etc: yes and no. Only now in doing this channel am I more interested in the history aspect and looking through a bands career and journey. Before this, I just cared more about the album itself and THAT particular "moment" from a band. For example, if I found a new band I REALLY liked a song from, I'd listen to the album over and over and over before listening to another album from the same band (no matter how much I loved the band). While it wasn't the quickest way to explore a bands discography, I liked to stay in a particular "moment/album" of a band and TOTALLY absorb it before moving on.

[@stephenhaunch3468]

They have many great albums. The last 2 are outstanding. Along with marillion, big big train, riverside, Steven Wilson, cosmograf and many others there is some amazing new music out there.

[@cat-o-matic]

Nice! Agreed, sounds kinda like Yes. And I can see the Dream Theater reference.

[@tim9202]

Love the voice, really enjoyed it overall!

[@JustJP]

Glad you liked it Tim!

[@Panoptese19]

I've never heard this, thank you. There's something familiar about it.

[@PG-uq5lq]

On another video, you asked what were our three favorite prog albums. I answered Genesis, Gentle Giant and IQ. And you did Gentle Giant and IQ back to back. IQ hasn't made any bad albums since "Ever". No matter what you do next with IQ, you have to listen to "Frequency". An almost perfect song IMHO. IQ is certainly influenced by Genesis. "Harvest of Souls" for example has a structure very similar to "Supper's Ready", including something like "Apocalypse in 9/8". Besides, the "style" "Apocalypse in 9/8" is often present in certain pieces (The province (7m00) or the 7th House (9m25)). Their latest albums are darker (including the atmospheric and minimalist "Road Of Bones" (the story of a serial killer); you should like it)

[@JustJP]

I'm always listening ;) Sounds interesting, thanks PG!

[@sidecardog5244]

Old vs new prog...hmm. If you would have asked me about a year ago, I would have said “Old Rules!” Now I’m not so sure. Steven Wilson, Spock’s Beard, Big Big Train, IQ, Flower Kings, Haken, Riverside.....There’s quite a lot of new stuff that’s very very good. Considering prog was essentially dead by the early eighties, I think it is making a strong comeback. Is it as popular, maybe not. But lest we forget, Genesis wasn’t really popular until they changed to pop. And very few of my high school class mates (class of 77) had even heard of Yes, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Gentle Giant....Disco or Arena Rock ruled. Prog was for stoners and weird guys (guilty as charged). I say guys because, for some reason, very few women get into prog. Just like my experience with motorcycles; chicks don’t dig ‘em (except for my Sidecar..and 🐕). Eli’s a chick 🧲! Request Luminol or Holy Drinker by Steven Wilson. IMHO some of the best prog, old or new, ever written.

[@JustJP]

Thanks Woody! Thats a good point, and I don't know the answer: Was prog ever really popular? Like I said, I don't know personally.

[@justintime42000]

JustJP Yes, Tull and ELP got massive commercial FM radio station play on their shorter songs and were very popular in the early to mid-70s. A lot of the reason more prog didn’t get played was song length. Longer songs interfered with commercial time. These artists all knew, or because of pressure from their record companies, they accepted the reality that they needed to create something accessible enough on each album under 5 minutes in length in order to get their music heard on the FM rock radio stations. There were some free format stations and college radio stations and some late night shows on daytime commercial radio playing longer prog tracks and bands that weren’t in regular rotation, but most people were listening to the commercial rock FM stations most of the time.

[@mariobaert8346]

IQ is a great band with quite a few really good albums. Kind of surprised you didn't play this earlier. Even more surprised actually you haven't played any Pendragon songs quite yet. That band has just released a beautiful new album "Love over fear" which is getting great reviews and sold out concerts in Europe. Great guitar playing. Try "If I Were The Wind" from the album "Not Of This World". It's the opening track and completely blew me away at first listen. Still does! I've seen them live several times and comparing them to the live shows from Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis and Marillion, I've easily had the most fun and ecstatic times at the Pendragon concerts! Anyway, don't take my word for it, try some of their music. Really like your input on some of the -for me- well known songs from the 70s and 80s. Good job 👍🏻

[@mariobaert8346]

Just a little add-on. Last year I got the first album by Pattern Seeking Animals, sort of a Spock's Beard offshoot. Boy, has it been a while since I was so enthusiastic about a new album by anyone. Think Spock's Beard/Kansas/Enchant in a melodic and catchy way. Love it. Their second album is due this year. Recommended as well!

[@JustJP]

Thanks Mario! I have Pendragon on the list :D

[@1nelsondj]

The part where you said it's heading into the prog section, about to change the time signature, I was hearing 'Firth of Fifth' by Genesis.

[@kingcurry6594]

IQ are virtually incapable of making bad music. Subterranea is their masterpiece - a double concept album which I actually prefer to The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Keyboard player Martin Orford was a genius and his retirement after this album was a tragic loss to music.

[@1nelsondj]

I use Firefox with ad blockers so I never see ads on You Tube.

[@JustJP]

I gotta get something like that for my phone, lol

[@happilyeggs4627]

I agree. Some of us old-timers are very blinkered. The one thing I will say is that a lot of prog rock is nowadays classified as post rock. Anyhow, that's by the by. I really wanted to recommend Earth. Listen to the title track from "The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull" and "Engine Of Ruin" from the same album. Other tracks to spend time with are "Coda Maestoso In F Flat Minor" from the album Hibernaculum. "Descent To The Zenith" from Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light". These would all be classified as post rock. I think they are prog rock leaning towards drone. Very different from most listening. Not everybody's taste. Definitely for a laidback kinda guy.

[@JustJP]

Sounds interesting, ty eggs

[@ripplesguy1036]

It's funny with IQ, cos there's lots about them that drive me mad - I find them quite self-derivative, a bit uninspired rhythmically (all a bit 'blocky') Pete Nicholls' voice can grate at times, but.. I love them! It's probably due to the fact that I've known them for the majority of my adult life, beginning that journey with a gig at The Marquee in November '83. At that time, I went through two weeks of 'I like this/who are they trying to kid' as they were obviously heavily Genesis influenced in those very early days, finally deciding to give them the benefit of the doubt. One of THE best live bands about with a following that seems to grow annually. Check out the album Regeneration by The Lens - a Mike Holmes side project (IQ were formed out of the ashes of The Lens back in '81) This was Mike's little doff of the hat to his demised band. I would recommend the track 'To The Power of Five' from that album. Cheers!

[@davidpickford515]

Love IQ got all their cds I would like to suggest a canadian prog band called Mystery and the song The Willow Tree from the album Delusion Rain 18mins of sheer class

[@arielquarante]

You see? Exactly the opposite of what I thought! Here is the proof of how much I like this channel and how I trust you! This song is very far from the things I enjoy in music, but netherverless it is very interesting and not bad at all. As you said in your intro, if I had only based on the artwork cover, I would never have had the idea to click to listen. I was already imagining a singer yealing, thought he was Belzebuth, guitars with overdrive to their maximum and a drummer with a quadruple kick pedal for his bass drum! I would have missed something, because I found a lot of passages that I really liked. I come back to the beginning of my comment. I said what could pass for an absurdity: "I trust you". It's true that it's a bit stupid. Since you didn't know the song either, you couldn't know if it was good or not. You yourself trusted someone else. But your space still guarantees the assurance of a certain level of knowledge. And then ... we don't have to like everything you offer us. But this time, I'm the one who wants to ask you a question. As you listen and offer your reactions to things you don't know, so can there be circumstances where, once you filmed your first listening, you hated it so much that you finally decide not to post your video? I've liked the "ad" part ! If one day I decide to write and play my own LP, this wil be my creative part of prog music : an wild cut to insert a fictive ad. During a while, I though it was meant. I think this could be a great idea !

[@sidecardog5244]

arielquarante : That must have been what happened to the songs I’ve requested: half way through Justin thought, “ This song is merde 💩.” Ps, check out ‘Road of Bones’ by IQ. It’s not 💩.

[@JustJP]

Haha, ty ariel! I like contrasting thoughts and opinions; keeps things fresh. Nah, I havent come across anything like that yet. Theres been songs I really didnt like and have totally forgotten about, but I havent hated anything so much I wouldn't post a video. Even if I hate a song, theres still going to be something to learn/gain from it.

[@olabergvall3154]

I've only ever heard "Tales from the lush attic" from them, their 1983 release which I used to listen to in the mid 1980's. After that I sort of forgot about them. This was pretty okay

[@franckbizouard3357]

More IQ please Justin !! . ;-)

[@happilyeggs4627]

If you like prog then check out The Mahavishnu Orchestra. It's jazz, Avant Gard, and rock fusion. Listen to Dance Of The Maya or The Noonward Race.

[@thecarpetcrawler1962]

Try also "Jadis".More than meets the eye.Martin Orford the keybordist and mastermind of IQ plays there..

[@peppernagre3126]

Overall I enjoyed this. Never heard of them so I'd say I've a low IQ.

[@JustJP]

Good one :)

[@robertbarnett619]

The first time I've heard this, I've only heard their "Subterranea" which I like and this is Ok, it's recorded and performed very well but for only a slight niggle and that is it's a little too awkward in time signature for me, now I like odd time signatures when they are done well and they can sometimes sound smooth as if they are in 4/4. If IQ had simplified the time signature a little on this track then the melody would have flowed nicer, in my opinion.

[@JM-qj1jw]

One of my favorite neo-prog bands ! It's interesting you didn't mention the Genesis influences in their music, it's the most obvious to me. Concerning the old/new debate, take "the Watch" : the goal of their singer is clearly to BE Peter Gabriel, and the music follows the idea of sounding as if Genesis never stopped to build songs in the vein of Foxtrot. It's not new by any means, but what an interesting result ! On the other side, Bent Knee or Izz want to push boundaries and renew themselves with each album. Both ways suit me, depending on the mood ! The problem lies most in the repetition of the song structures and gimmicks : since Stardust We Are (incredible album), I think the Flower Kings repeat themselves with each production, and every album sounds the same to me. Still good, but not exciting. I don't have the same feeling listening to the Watch or Bent Knee.

[@JustJP]

Funnily enough, I didn't really notice the Genesis influence on first listen. Totally get that about old/new; theres at least plenty of variety in the genre. Depending on mood, you'll always be able to find something good, whether its something familiar, or something thats pushing boundaries.

[@charliecharlie3237]

Thank you for discovering IQ and for the interesting commentary. I'm curious, why this song of their whole catalog. Oh, don't get me wrong, its a great tune. For a first listen there are others I would have picked but, I don't think you can go wrong. I was just wondering what was the criteria for picking this one. Recommendation? First album you came across? Liked the album cover? Just wondering.

[@JustJP]

Thank you Charlie! Just chose it as it was a request, no other reason :)

[@Earlofmar1]

I've never heard of this band, I've never heard this song, thank you so much..................just kidding, I love this band, I love this album

[@JustJP]

Lol🤭

[@kennethkalls4031]

IQ belongs ensconced amidst the other Demi-Gods of Neo-Prog along with Marillion, Spock's Beard, Porcupine Tree, The Flower Kings, and several other less prolific bands of that same era. The lead guitar of Mike Holmes is consistently fabulous, and Peter Nicholls voice has simply gotten better and better over the years. I'd agree with your observation that at times many years ago it was rather flat at times. It's very distinctive, which always means people will typically love it or hate it, with few in camps in between those two extremes. I really Like Nicholls' voice, so I really like IQ. But IQ is not my favorite band, because its lyrics are too opaque, which, in turn, leaves most of their songs devoid of any emotional impact beyond the mood set by the instruments, which for IQ's music is usually quite dark. I find I better enjoy their songs which I've been able to decipher perhaps less puzzling lyrics, like "The Seventh House", "Guiding Light ", or "No Love Lost". As for J.P.'s request to elucidate on the differences between older prog and neo-prog, my first thought is why should the music have to be significantly different? The similarity exists because they are essentially the same genre, and the instrumentation is generally the same. I have noted that Porcupine Tree and Dream Theatre have consciously added a metal element to their progginess. Marillion with Steve Hogarth at the helm has changed its compositions to target your emotions rather than dazzle your brain with instrumental brilliance and a clever turn of a lyric. The Flower Kings have an overall glittery, sparkly sound, IMHO, which is a bit different than anybody in the first wave of progressive music. But my point is that each band should be evaluated as to its own individual characteristics, without any need to first run its music through some sort of old prog filter to assess its merit. If a band prefers a long song format, that, in turn, wiil normally produce many dynamic and rhythmic changes, many different instrumental sounds, and, more often than not, performed by a singer, drummer, bassist, multi-keboardist, and lead guitarist. Given those parameters, noting the parameters and claiming the music is unoriginal and much like what came before it seems like invalid criticism to me, not to mention being a self-fulfilling criticism by definition. BTW, you might be amused by visiting progarchives.com, where the prog nerds have identified, last time I burned some time there, 27 separate and distinct sub-genres of progressive rock music.

[@Cr8Tron]

"Opaque" seems like it might be a fair way to describe a lot IQ's lyrics... But, if I understand what you mean by that, then I'd have to say that that's exactly one of the reasons I favor the band, lol. I prefer lyrics to be not too literal (but rather figurative, metaphoric, or at least analogous). But there's a catch; I prefer them even more when they can be taken literal too...but only if you care to educate yourself on what actually inspired the poet. I'm not saying that anything Peter Nicholls touches is gold... But I do feel like he's very underrated in this regard. Like as if he philosophically has a perspective we could all gain a lot of insight from, were we not all blinded by the Dunning-Kruger effect (whichever side we might be on).

[@kennethkalls4031]

There are times in IQ's music that I distinctly feel that a transition gets inserted and a new song segment introduced just for the sake of progginess, or that a drum beat is omitted just so you will notice the drumming is not mundane, or a lyrical passage is penned with no intention of conveying any meaning to the listener. I prefer not to blame myself for being too dense to understand a lyric's meaning, and I blame Nicholls, instead, for stringing together lines of mystic phrases too vague for me to possibly comprehend. Overall, I will agree there is a mysteriousness attached to IQ's lyrical approach that makes it more interesting than, say, reading the phone book aloud.

[@Cr8Tron]

@@kennethkalls4031 (re: I prefer not to blame myself for being too dense to understand a lyric's meaning...) Well, I don't imagine you getting into any of Yes' lyrics by Jon Anderson anytime soon. 😂 Seriously though... You obviously missed my entire point, which was that there's no reason to blame *anybody* for *anything* . I was trying to propose the concept, that if you already understand everything about any piece of art, that then it's relatively less interesting. To this very day, there are still plenty of people debating about various things The Beatles were meaning to convey. Hopefully what I'm saying isn't taken as being anything overly profound?

[@kennethkalls4031]

@@Cr8Tron Yes was my fave for decades, despite the babbling that passed for lyrics.

[@3ggshe11s]

Regarding how modern prog bands sound: Some proudly wear their influences on their sleeve, and IQ is one of them. You should hear "Harvest of Souls" on this same album -- it's basically "Supper's Ready 2.0" But I'm OK with it, and it's not even a new trend in prog. Back in the late '70s, there was a band called Starcastle that sounded almost identical to Yes. I love Yes, so I was happy to discover (about a decade after the fact!) another band mining that same kind of sound. But then you have other prog bands like Spock's Beard and The Flower Kings that have a similar kind of '70s prog sound, without directly mimicking what came before. SB is sort of a mix of Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, and pop, without sounding like any of them. TFK is more like Yes meets Genesis. They blend their influences together into something new and interesting. And then you have bands that use prog templates and infuse them with a modern sound. Pure Reason Revolution is a good example. Mr. Bungle is another one. Echolyn has some Steely Dan influences but otherwise sound strikingly original. Heck, I even consider Muse somewhat progressive. Glad to see you're enjoying the musical journey. I hope I get to stumble across something I haven't heard yet on your channel!

[@synen]

IQ - The Road of Bones!

[@gabrielmekler4757]

The best IQ song definetely is "Frequency" and my favourite by them also from that album is "The Province". There you got a lot of emotion and raw power. Much more than anything found in Dark Matter in my opinion.

[@sidecardog5244]

Gabriel Mekler : I agree. But I’ve only listened to the albums Frequency and Road of Bones. The Province of The King is outstanding.

[@Cr8Tron]

Frequency (the song) is definitely in their top ten tracks (also perhaps the follow-up; Life Support)... But it's difficult to agree with anyone's claim about Frequency being the best album of theirs. It's understandable why Dark Matter and The Seventh House were considered the peak of their discography. And I don't press the issue, whenever people argue about The Road of Bones being their favorite... I think TRoB (and maybe even the new album; Resistance) offers some great improvements to their style, despite anything people think they may have lost in the process. Personally, I find IQ to be the band that always takes me the longest to warm up to, anytime there's a new release. The only exception for me is the Menel era; I doubt that I'll ever feel differently about those two albums. And that's why I've always found Frequency to be an odd duck; the album's grown on me over time, but the Menel-esque spots will always hinder my full appreciation. For the most part, I thought that all the other records did a better job staying clear of anything remotely Menel-sounding.

[@huwadams9521]

A Great Song from a Great Album! The only other IQ album that gets as close is Frequency so Far! Peter Nichols the vocalist has a great prog sound, as good if not better than Peter Gabriel in the old days. Mike Holmes the guitarist is masterful! I have seen this band many times and they are also brilliant live! If this was the seventies these guys would be prog gods!

[@Lwize]

Surprised you found IQ (i.e. French Genesis)! I have two of their albums, but probably haven't listened since the 1980's (along with Marillion).

[@ronouwe93]

French Genesis? IQ are a British band.

[@Lwize]

@@ronouwe93 Huh. My "Tales from the Lush Attic" and "The Wake" CD's were both French imports, plus The Wake includes the bonus track Dans Le Parc Du Chateau Noir. That made it easy to put a French label on them. (Singing in English wasn't a clue as many bands from non-English speaking countries sing in English to expand their audience)

[@ronouwe93]

@@Lwize Ah, I get the confusion then. But yeah, totally a British band :)

[@JustJP]

Oh, I can find anything :)

[@Lwize]

@@JustJP So, when are you going down the PFM rabbit hole?

[@godbluffvdgg]

Porcupine tree...:)...IQ is a killer band too...Glad you're listening to it...Now you can see where Dream Theater got their sound...:)...But; why use a phone to interface with the web?...Phone users are being abused by commercials and difficulties to get to videos...

[@JustJP]

Haha, it's just easier (besides this one time lol)

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@JustJP I saw that rig you're using for the first time the other day...while looking at podcast stuff...It's the Zoom H4n PRO 4? I like your setup and it works great; maybe you can run down your rig. Your set up is very clean!

[@JustJP]

@@godbluffvdgg Close, the Zoom H5! Yup, it handles everything wonderfully, thanks Rob!

[@tracefrahm9391]

I regret that I didn't know about IQ decades ago, but am glad to have discovered them about 5 years ago. They don't make music like this anymore because the new normal is anger, violence, political rebellion, profanity, and it gets old really fast.

[@andralfoo]

I'll subscribe just to watch you react some day to Proclamation, Gentle Giant :c

[@JustJP]

🙃

[@gregjones861]

I love this band and this album. That criticism you mention that long time listeners of progressive rock make (and I date back to the very beginning with it) really is bogus. While the influence of Yes or Genesis are obvious on bands like this, they are doing things differently based on following their own muse. Saw these guys 3 times live, always a wonderful show and the power and impact of the instruments in person is visceral. What makes or breaks the progressive music of today is the same way I evaluate the original progressive music: the writing. If the composition works, I find it will hold up well over time. For me, between one third and one half of all the IQ compositions meet this criteria (I know, it's subjective and different for each of us). But the timeless classic prog bands of the 70s are also hit and miss for me. I'm very picky about composition. One of the very best in this regard is the original lineup of Spock's Beard. Their first 6 albums when Neal Morse was the primary writer are incredibly strong. Once he left, the next 4 are very good but more uneven. And the track by them you reacted to is from an even newer lineup that have, for my ears anyway, lost their way. So I'm holding Yes and Genesis and ELP' and King Crimson's feet to the same fire and they all win some, lose some. But progressive rock marches on. I'll end here with a side note - when I saw IQ on tour for this very album headlining NEARfest in Bethlehem PA, I was brewing coffee for all the artists in the green room. Take a wild guess who the one band was they were discussing that they loved based on all my other comments.

[@sidecardog5244]

Greg Jones : I agree re Spock’s Beard. Morse era was best , but “Brief Nocturnes” is 50% excellent, 25% very good, and 25% good. And if you have the physical record or CD, there are 4 very good “bonus” songs.

[@JM-qj1jw]

Totally agree with your statement concerning Spock's Beard. Beware of Darkness and Snow are essential listens. And Neal Morse alone repeats himself too, for me, with 3 formulas : Nice Beatlesy Neal Morse, Grandiose Yessy Neal Morse and Angrier Zeppeliny-ELPish Neal Morse...

[@sidecardog5244]

JM: I love “Time Has Come’ from “Beware of Darkness”. The junkyard dog efx is brilliant. I think all three Neals show up in that song! Which Neal sings F/U from “The Light” album?

[@godbluffvdgg]

As long time Prog lover, Back from the beginning, like you, I love this band and you're right I see the influences of so many Groups. IQ is doing prog the way it should be done...They'have substance and presence...What's you're favorite or who would you say is the greatest Prog era group/groups; Top 5?

[@gregjones861]

@@godbluffvdgg I will avoid saying greatest and say my favorites from that era are King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Jethro Tull and PFM.

[@ronouwe93]

Can I request a song from The Flower Kings? 'Miracles For America' from their latest album or the classic 'Stardust We Are' if you are up for an amazing epic! :)

[@Tintop]

I would say "Vertigo", "Spirals" or "Steampunk" from Waiting for Miracles would be more appropriate. And from their old stuff I suggest "The Truth will set you free" (live from "Meet the flower kings") or "Garden of Dreams" from the same DVD. :) Or if he's in the mood he should definetly try their song "Devil's Playground"

[@ronouwe93]

@@Tintop There's actually too much good stuff to choose from! :)

[@Tintop]

@@ronouwe93 so true...

[@JustJP]

Give me a slightly shorter song as an intro to them, lol :)

[@ronouwe93]

@@JustJP Haha, alright! Then I'd say try 'The Resurrected Judas' or 'Black Flag' as shorter songs.

[@yes_head]

IQ were part of the wave of British neo prog in the early-mid 80s, although their sound was a bit punkier and metal than Marillion's (though still loaded with the vintage Genesis tropes of Mellotron, costumes, etc.) They got a record deal, but didn't have Marillion's luck of signing with EMI. Singer Peter Nicholls left after the second album (The Wake -- brilliant album), and the band took a slightly more commercial turn with new singer Paul Menel. Despite their best efforts, they stalled out and Menel and bassist Tim Esau left in 1990. Peter Nicholls returned for their classic album Ever, and they've been more or less riding on their reputation and the signature style ever since. IMO The Wake and Ever are their best -- everything else sort of stands in their shadows. And yeah, Nicholls can be an acquired taste, but he's a good front man -- especially on stage.

[@tszirmay]

There are way more fantastic prog bands out there today, but not as iconic as the 70s. it was a time and space that cannot come back. It has modernized immensely, especially in the new century.

[@RedPillMode]

Good question. Just some random thoughts here. Much of the early prog was done under the influence of classical music and jazz. Most of the later prog was done under the influence of early prog. Later prog (neo prog) is quite traditional music. Evolving.. really? It may be good, but hardly innovative in the same sense as early prog was. I think Marillion was first neo prog band. I hated Marillion when it was new. Poor mans Genesis, I thought. It took me several years before I could really listen to it, and then I was totally blown away. I still love it. Early, Fish era Marillion, that is. Later just does not connect with me. Really progressive bands are rare. The Mars Volta comes to mind, and Thank You Scientist (do Swarm, but all songs are great). Snarky Puppy is great, but perhaps more jazz than prog. Perhaps Between The Buried and Me (do Voice of Tresspass😁, fun track). I am searching all the time 😁. Most neo prog is not interesting to me. Believe me, I have tried. This IQ song did not move me at all. I feel like this has already been done. Progression happens elsewhere. I keep finding new bands from 70's. Can was incredible (check out Future Days).

[@JustJP]

Totally understood, and makes some sense. From what you're saying about progressive stemming from the music before it, I think a lot of neo-prog is pulling from genres such as metal the same way early prog pulled from the music of its day (jazz, classical). I think its super interesting (I do enjoy some TYS and Colors from BTBAM is still one of the best albums of the 2000's imo)

[@yw1971]

21:15 - I don't see any. Today there are more talented imitators than Originals. Better try 'Porcupine Tree' - the last real good Prog-rock

[@jaybird4093]

I compare music I’ve never heard before with music that I already have. It's not necessarily a comparison more than it is setting a foundation. Once I've heard a new song a few times, those comparisons fade away and the new song stands on it's own. I"m impressed by music that doesn't sound anything like I've ever heard before, but that's rare. The verses in this song remind of me Dream Theater, too. Strange Deja Vu? I haven't listened in a long time so I can't remember. The break sounds a little like Genesis to me. The intro maybe a little Mr. Crowley by Ozzy Osborne but that's a stretch. The Police? Sorry, I’m not hearing it.

[@JustJP]

The foundation is important, then you can build back up from there into "new territory". Makes a lot of sense

[@gregoryweakland3481]

Ok, as an old prog guy I give my reflection on IQ. When I hear them I here their influences, early on mostly early Genesis, who I love, and later Rush, who I like. But I can’t help hearing them when they are this obvious, which detracts from experience a bit. The difference between the neo prog and classic prog is the classic bands were unique. Crimson didn’t sound like Floyd who didn’t sound like Yes who didn’t sound like Genesis who didn’t sound like Gentle Giant etc, etc. To me a newer prog band who is unique is Radiohead, they sound like no other band before or since, on most records they don’t even sound like themselves! I liked this song, much better than the earlier stuff I heard from them that was so derivative of early Genesis. If your going to do that you better write some great music or you sound like a pale imitation. This song makes me want to hear more from I Qm thanks for bringing this one to the channel. Metamorphosis, Curved Air, nuff said.

[@JustJP]

Totally understood Greg, and I can see how the influences can detract from the song.

[@BehonestBestitchedup]

We are so lucky to have musicianship like this amongst the detritus of XFactor manufactured crap.

[@TheD4VR0S]

A little history of Neo Prog Every generation has it's musicall genre eg: punk, metal, new romantics ect well the generation that grew up in the very early 80's in the u.k looked at the current music and thought this is crap we dont like any of it so they looked back to the seventies mainly to progressive rock Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes ect - The musical press called this movement Retro Scally (cant be 100% sure but i think it started in liverpool) Neo prog was a result of this new found resurgence of progressive Rock

[@JustJP]

Ty for that David!

[@TheD4VR0S]

Neo prog doesnt get much love I would recommend Pallas - The Ripper It's about Peter Sutcliff the Yorkshire Ripper an infamous U.k serial killer Watch the live version (even though the album version has better sound quality) kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZrKnGyraLOho5o

[@kozlorf]

The problem with this song is the 7/8 beat part ;) Justin, at the moment you've commented that this part reminds you of Yes... It's actually clearly a Cinema Show... thing. And the problem with that is that it is something every garage prog band does as they kick off. It's catchy and it's prog ;) (and that's why KZbin has put an ad right there ;) ). The question is how far a band can go beyond doing just a "Cinema Show thing". To me, IQ fails here, not inventing anything beyond that. It's not that they copycat Genesis, or that they are ripping them off. It's that is sounds cheap somehow... ;)

[@justintime42000]

I liked this more than I thought I would. It’s obviously reminiscent of Genesis, with a little Rush (in the vocal line) and some Yes, of course, but it’s got its own identity. I liked the guitar the most. The guitarist is very talented. It’s not the most melodic prog song but there’s enough there for me to want to listen a bit further. Anytime I hear someone singing about the “end times,” “last remaining days,” etc. though, I get a bit turned off. It comes off as either a bit too preachy, too doomsday or like science fiction. I can ignore the lyrics. The sun is going to shine tomorrow like it did yesterday. If it’s all going to end, why not sing about things that can lift the spirit instead? Just my take on it. For me, most of the neo-prog I’ve heard isn’t anywhere near as melodic as the original prog masters’ music was, especially in the vocal lines (generally speaking, with some exceptions of course) and instead relies much more on the sound and rhythmic elements of prog. Some people appreciate the sound and rhythmic approach enough that they don’t feel the loss of melody as much as people who are primarily looking for the melodic connection first, where the rhythm is more secondary. The best is when all are in perfect sync. That’s what made Genesis so great. There was always strong melody and chords driving the music, rich sound and texture, good vocals, and like a symphony, it often built up maximum tension and released it, but then it went right into another melody-driven segment, sometimes with odd time signatures, but they didn’t feel like were there just to be different. They weren’t following any type of formula nor were they trying to create one. All the neo-prog bands sound formulaic, to some degree. I suppose, in order to be considered prog, they feel they have to be. If the melody is strong enough in vocal or instrumental parts, it keeps my interest. If it’s not, I lose interest. I’m glad prog is still being created but I’m still waiting for the total melodic genius that was omnipresent in the early prog songs/bands to come along. It’s never easy to write great melody, in any genre. First the artists have to realize how important melody is, and I don’t believe that many do, nor do they have the gift. It’s more rare than people might think. What’s a good second song from IQ?

[@sidecardog5244]

Cathy Wood : I love their songs: Frequency //Road of Bones//The Province of the King. Don’t know their music prior to 2010.

[@justintime42000]

Woody n’ Sidecar Dog Thanks, Woody! I’ll give a listen. My dad went by the name Woody! He had a pretty awful first name (he was a Jr., and his dad had one of those old Southern first names) so I didn’t blame him. Woody suited him better!

[@justintime42000]

Woody n’ Sidecar Dog Just listened to Frequency. Instrumentally I liked it very much. The vocal melody was on the dull side. I don’t care much for the singer, so far. He’s not bad (but he’s not that good). The guitar player squeezes every second of melody out of the chords and is the big standout once again. I’ll get back to you on the other tracks later. Thanks again.

[@sidecardog5244]

Cathy Wood : I’ve got one of those names that confuses people: two first names, 2 last names. Woody is my last name and Kelly is my first. Everyone just calls me Woody. I had an Uncle with the last name of Wood. He was a dentist in North Carolina. My mom married a Woody, and her sister married a Wood.

[@justintime42000]

Woody n’ Sidecar Dog Your parents must have had a sense of humor!

[@qmiller9]

I tried to get into IQ years ago and DID like some of what I heard, but for the most part, I find the writing isn't quite to my taste. They are a good band with very talented players. I just don't feel enough emotion, mood or excitement with them like I do with other bands I prefer. Also, there is an uncomfortable amount of tension created in this song without resolution in my opinion. However, I may need to give some further listens to unveil the full product. There's always going to be people clinging to only nostalgia when it comes to music and then spending little time in seeking out and learning about new music. The phrase, "They don't make music like this anymore." Really bugs me. When people say that, it makes me want to list off the bands that do to prove them wrong. Another phrase I hate is, "...but you're too young to know about them.". To which I usually reply, "You know that shit is recorded right?!!" And then school then on facts about their favorite old music. I don't mean to come off braggy about it, I just hate when people speak "matter of fact"ly about things, especially when it's some of my favorite things, like music. Anyway, I look forward these reactions of yours. Keep up the great work, sir!

[@JustJP]

Haha, I totally agree Quinton. Music changes, progresses and evolves; I wouldn't want it to stay the same.

[@robertcartier5088]

Sorry, this sounds like a dime-store version of Genesis to me. Everything is there, but the pieces are put together strangely... Even some of the transitions are almost identical to Genesis, a mix of transitions from different songs. There's a little Yes in there too.

[@alexanderbleeser9784]

IQ is good, only with Martin Orford or Mark Westwood on keys. 🎹

[@PaulHilburger]

Like the music , but don’t like the singer at all

[@WarrenCromartie2]

I agree. He's like Gabriels understudy with a cold.

[@PaulHilburger]

@@WarrenCromartie2 with none of Gabriel's power or range