Artist: IQ
Album: THE ROAD OF BONES (CD)

Release date: 2014
EAN/UPS: 5026297010466
Media type: CD

Is it possible that a band, like a good wine, can continue to improve with age? Can you possibly top legendary albums such as ‘The Wake’, ‘Subterranea’ or ‘Frequency’? After just one listen to IQґs tenth studio album the answer is a resounding Yes! Without doubt ‘The Road Of Bones’ is a unique masterpiece, fitting perfectly into the bandґs impressive body of work – whilst adding a new perspective.

IQ’s secret has always been to evolve their style while maintaining the essence of the band's own unique brand of progressive rock: strong guitars embedded in lush keyboard melodies, a pounding yet still jazz-influenced rhythm section and the distinctive vocals and unmistakable lyrics of frontman Peter Nicholls.

On ‘The Road of Bones’ you’ll find all this and more. Take the title track for example. You may be surprised by the heavier approach of this track, beginning life as a stripped-down, almost cinematic piece until breaking into a massive wall of sound over a relentless groove – I defy you to listen to this without nodding your head. Frontman Peter Nicholls: "Yes, the overall mood of ‘The Road of Bones’ is darker than our last album, but its not something we planned. When we come together to write there is no preconceived direction – stuff just happens.“

‘The Road of Bones’ demonstrates the free spirit of a band in complete control of their craft. From the explosive ‘From the Outside In’ to the 20-minute-epic ‘Without Walls’, all things are possible. "The advantage of being independent is that we have complete artistic freedom to do what we want, when we want. Its what allows us to be 100% IQ", says Mike Holmes, IQґs guitarist and musical director, who also produced the album. As with all IQ releases in the last 20 years, ‘The Road of Bones’ was recorded at Aubitt studios, with long-time engineer and live sound man Rob Aubrey.
Keyboard player Neil Durant, who joined in 2011: "Actually the process of recording with IQ was exactly as I’d imagined it – a unique mixture of concentration and creativity… and several gin and tonics in the evenings." Bass player Tim Esau, who makes his return to the studio with the band, says: "Rejoining the band after twenty years really bought home to me what a very special atmosphere it is working with IQ..."

This atmosphere is noticeable on each and every one of the 53 minutes the journey on The Road of Bones takes. A journey that will lead the band to Portugal, Spain, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Poland and the UK to perform the album this spring and summer. Drummer Paul Cook: "Yes, the new album might sound a bit heavier than the last one, but as a drummer I appreciate that. I canґt wait to play it live."

TRACKLIST CD:

1 - From The Outside In (7 mins 25 secs)
2 - The Road Of Bones (8 mins 31 secs)
3 - Without Walls (19 mins 16 secs)
4 - Ocean 9 ( 5mins 55 secs)
5 - Until The End (12 mins)

LINE-UP:

Paul Cook - drums
Tim Esau – bass
Neil Durant – keyboards
Mike Holmes – guitars
Peter Nicholls – vocals