IQ-Are You Sitting Comfortably ? (1989)

Following two of the neo-progressive masterpieces, "Tales from the Lush Attic" (1983) and "The Wake" (1985), the British band IQ explored the more accessible sounds of sophisticated pop with their third album, "Nomzamo" (1989), and the stylistically consistent "Are You Sitting Comfortably" several years later. However, despite its more pop-oriented sound, progressive elements remain present in the album's final musical structure. The album showcases the sensational voice of Paul Menel, whose dark and somber vocal style is immeasurable, in a setlist of dynamic, balanced, and incredibly catchy songs. Likewise, guitarist Mike Holmes's work once again displays his acoustic delicacy with its brilliant arpeggios. On the other hand, Martin Orford's keyboards continue to be the driving force with their futuristic and progressive notes, particularly in the instrumental "Nostalgia", the dark "Falling Apart at the Seams", the hypnotic "Nothing at all", and the sinister "Drive On" and "Sold on You". After this fourth release, singer Paul Menel left the band, leaving behind a brilliant work that was nevertheless highly debated by their more orthodox fans. Four years later, IQ returned to their avant-garde path with the excellent "Ever", which, to the delight of their large fanbase, put them back on track in their discography.

IQ-The Wake (1985)

Considered one of the top works of the neo-progressive, "The Wake", it was commercially weighed down by Marillion's album "Misplaced Childhood" which was released around the same time as this one.
In this second IQ album, the line of its predecessor "Tales From Lush Attic" is followed, but with better production and more careful arrangements.
On this occasion the band creates a conceptual album that deals with man crossing the threshold of death, for which musically a dark, mysterious and dire sound is distilled.
Rough treatments of many parts of the guitar, the textures of the keyboards and even the dark sound, are designed to create an emotional and gloomy density, all this endorsed by the theatrical voice of its vocalist Nicholls, who knows how to take advantage of his characteristic vocal register .