IQ
„Ever“
Limited 2-LP Set, Aquamarine Vinyl. Neo-Melodic Prog. 2025 (1993).

 IQ IQ was founded in Southampton, England, in 1981 by guitarist Michael Holmes and keyboardist Martin Orford. With a two-year contract with the major label Phonogram, they played neo-prog, after which prog rock returned to the forefront. However, Peter Nicholls left IQ as part of this deal. After two years, Phonogram was acquired, and the contract was not renewed. In 1990, Peter Nicholls, the pre-Phonogram singer, rejoined the band. The charismatic Nicholls was a great asset. Other current members are Tim Esau on bass, Paul Cook on drums, and Neil Durant on keyboards. IQ distributes its music through Giant Electric Pea Lab,  whose CEO is Michael Holmes. Finally, in 1993, the self-released CD "Ever" was released on GEP, again featuring Peter Nicholls. Without a major label, "Ever" marked a return to neo-prog. IQ is its own boss and decides independently which albums it wants to produce. In 2025, the first vinyl version of "Ever" was finally released, naturally in a limited edition.

Besides Marillion (only the period with singer Fish), Arena (founded in 1995) and Pendragon, IQ is one of my favorite neo-(melodic) prog bands.

In 1993, in addition to Michel Holmes, Paul Cook and Peter Nicholls, Martin Orford (keyboards) and John Jowitt on bass were also part of the band.

The very first song, "The Darkest Hour" (10:52), has its prog-rock moments, but also a good dose of pop. Which doesn't bother me at all, because the guys have achieved a good mix. That concludes side A. Side B begins with the two-part "Fading Senses"—"After All," a more folk-tinged ballad, and "Fading Senses," instrumental prog-rock. "Out Of Nowhere" is a "normal" rock number, but it doesn't throw me off the album. That was side B.

"Further Away" (14:31), located on side C, is clearly the heart and best song on "Ever." The track begins atmospherically and calmly, then transitions into a rocking prog track. This becomes calmer again before building to a bombastic finale. The ending is more subdued once more. Great vocals, fat keyboards, bass, and drums. This is I like IQ best. Side D features "Leap Of Faith," another favorite song. For prog? A more than decent ballad that manages to be quite prog-like towards the end. "Came Down" picks up the opening melody again and sounds more hopeful. There's quite a bit of pop in the last track, but I can live with that.

"Ever," especially with "Further Away," is a step in the right direction after the Phonogram deal. Certainly not their best album, but not a bad one either. I play "Ever" allways in one go. Of course, this vinyl version has been sonically enhanced by Michael Holmes, but the old CD was technically quite listenable as well. For me, the decision was quite simple. The old "Ever" CD has "disappeared," and I know who has it. So the vinyl version came in handy. So, my friend, you can keep the CD.

The photos are all from my LP. The rights to all motifs, logos, texts and fonts that can be seen in the photos are of course owned by the copyright holder.

No AI was used in the making of this Review.
©08.08.2026