Search - IQ :: Nomzamo

IQ - Change Vocalists And Put Out A Solid Album

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 05/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just when IQ seemed poised to really hit the big time their lead singer Peter Nichols left the band. I have never really heard the whole story behind Nichols departure (he would later return), but it had to have come as a shock to the IQ faithful at the time. The new vocalist and lyricist would be Paul Menel. His voice was somewhat similar to Nichols, and in fact may have had a better technical voice than Nichols at the time (although Nichols has improved greatly over the years). "Nomzamo" would be a slightly more commercial sounding album than the band's previous efforts, but there is still enough bona fide prog to make me happy. It is interesting to read reviews of this album by IQ fans. They seem to either really love it or completely trash it. Personally I have always really liked it and think it is one of the band's most underrated efforts. There are several really great tracks to be found here. The opener "No Love Lost" is a driving rocker that should have been a hit single. "Promises" is a cool little love song. The title track "Nomzamo" is something different with tribal rhythms from drummer Paul Cook. "Human Nature" is a bit commercial, but still a cool song. The album closer "Common Ground" is one of my all time favorite IQ tracks. The lyrics in particular are great telling the story of an old German soldier looking back at his experience in the trenches in World War One. Amid the horror it is also remembered as "Another summer's day in France. Great stuff. As mentioned previously this album gets very mixed reviews from IQ fans so your mileage will vary, but I have always enjoyed it as a very good album."