Back in the mid-80's, our featured artist was virtually unknown in the US, but in the UK were gaining a nice following. This, the band's third album, shows them at really their progressive best. Led by vocalist Peter Nicholls, who does his best to bring back the ghost of Peter Gabriel past, the band was ready to reach the next level. Steve Sly says it best when he says that "...it is a significant improvement from the band's [second] album as they began to find their footing as writers and performers." From the very first note, you know this is not your normal progressive album. The instrumental section, led by guitarist Michael Holmes and keyboardist Martin Orford, are top notch here not only in writing the music but the notes that they play - it's classic progressive stuff. Erik Neutebottom agrees, stating that "...this is an album to be carried away to a progwalhalla: what a wonderful and compelling compositions, loaded with captivating breaks, spectacular changing climates (featuring halfway propulsive electric guitar, bombastic Mellotron and dramatic vocals), splendid interplay between keyboards and guitar (this is their trademark) and great solos..." Standing very close to, but not crossing the line between progressing and regressing, the band could bring the goods as only they could. Many people have stated that this album might be the band's first concept album. Cesar Inca states that "...this album as a whole keeps a consistent dark mood, which is logical considering the integral concept: a man passes away, takes a bitter look at what used to be his earthly life, indulges himself in doubt, regret and fear before taking the definitive step into the world of the dead. So, the drama is not in the moment of death or the arrival at Heaven, but in the sense of confusion that drowns the dead man's soul in the meantime." Sadly, this is the last studio album from the band's original lineup; Nicholls left the band shortly thereafter (only to return in 1992) as the band was signed to a major label. This is most certainly one of the best neo-progressive albums from the 1980's and must be looked into greater detail. Please join us on Tuesday night (March 16th) at 8pm as we spotlight the 1985 release by IQ, entitled The Wake.