|
I voted this CD as one of my Top Nine Best Progressive
CD's of 2004. It made #2. Proto-Kaw, Before Came After, ranked
#1. ***
My views on this work: ***
This CD is packed with surprises. While achieving melodic
sophistication, most songs refuse to drift into the familiar
paths many prog bands trudge. Bravely crafting listenable
and yet challenging pieces, the quartet IQ have propelled
the realm of 21st century prog into the age of angst. The
CD's conceptual message is not so contrived as to give way
to a roll of the eyes, but is so significantly relevant that
uninitiated listeners to monolithic masterpieces of prog such
as the 28-plus minute finale, Harvest Of Souls, will be engaged
and at the same time stretched to their listening limits.
***
Tightly written, intelligently presented and maturely
performed, Dark Matter is a CD of layered art. Sublime, this
offering by this remarkable band deserves 100 times the attention
it is currently receiving. ***
The sound quality is crystal clear. Inside Out has provided
packaging that enhances the experience afforded on this CD.
***
My recommendation: ***
Try this CD. If you don't enjoy it, you are not interested
in good, solid, inciteful, exhilirating prog. A must for any
CD collection. Grade: A-
|
