The IQ - Frequently Asked Qestions THE /~~\ /~~~~~~~~\ | |/ \ \ | | /\ \~\ | | | | \ \ | | | | | \ \| | | | \ \ \ | | |\ ~~~~\ \/ \ / \ \ \ ~~ ~~~~~~~\ \ MAILING LIST ~~~ " I T A L L P O S T S H E R E " f r e q u e n t l y a s k e d q u e s t i o n s Compiled and maintained by Ryan Newton Harris (harris@mhd1.moorhead.msus.edu) with invaluable assistance from Neil Durant and the members of "It All Posts Here". HTMLized by Patric Stiffel (stiffel@cs.uni-sb.de). CONTENTS 1. "It All Posts Here" administration information 2. A brief history of the list 3. A current IQ discography 4. Frequently (or just occasionally) asked questions 5. A list of other bands discussed and discriptions 6. The almighty disclaimer and correction address 1. IAPH ADMINISTRIVIA To join the IQ list, write to: NMD@uk.co.npl.newton or NMD@newton.npl.co.uk asking to join. To submit an article to the IQ digest, send the text to the address above, with a descriptive subject header prefixed by IQ: , eg 'IQ:Tour dates'. "It All Posts Here" was founded and is run by Neil Durant. He is a human so write him a real message with sentences and everything! The following can also be aquired through the above address(and many of them can be found here on the pages): Lyrics for: * Tales from the Lush Attic * The Wake * Nomzamo * Are You Sitting Comfortably? * Ever * (Plus a few other non-album tracks) Guitar tablature for bits from Widow's Peak, It All Stops Here etc... Working on the guitar tablature for the accoustic section after Wurensh... Lots of old press reviews of gigs/releases dating back to when IQ were young. A large article first printed in "Record Collector" magazine on the history of IQ (from The Lens right up to "Ever"). 2. HISTORY OF IAPH The list was started in early 1993 by Neil Durant when he realised there were enough people out on the network interested in IQ, and that some interesting discussions/tape swaps etc could take place which would be beyond the context of existing lists. Before long members demanded that the list broaden to include other similar bands, and over the months discussion has included Jadis, Galahad, Anglagard, Sphere, Landmarq, to name just a few. The name of the digest was decided by a vote relatively early on. It was looking likely that the name would be "The 105th Human Gateway" (and the number would increase with each digest), but at the last minute someone suggested "It All Posts Here" which is a very appropriate anagram of the IQ song title "It All Stops Here", and everybody re-voted for that. The list was mentionned in one of the official IQ fan club newsletters in 1993 in an article written by IQ bass player John Jowitt. John was also very helpful in sending a box of a dozen IQ "Ever" CDs several weeks before they had been officially released for list members to buy. 3. DISCOGRAPHY Here's the IQ discography printed in Record Collector* no 162, in February 1993: Cat No. Title SINGLES IQ promo 101 Awake & Nervous/Through the Corridors (12" 500 only,7/84 Sahara IQ 1002 Barbell is in/Just changing hands (7", 11/84) Sahara IQ121002 Barbell is in(Lizard mix)/Dans le Parc du c.n. (12",11/84) Sahara IQ 1003 Corners(remix)/The Thousand Days (7", 10/85) Sahara IQ121003 Corners/The Thousand Days/The Wake (12", 10/85) Sahara IQSD1 It all stops here/Intelligence quot. (shaped pic disc, 5/86) Squark VER 30 Passing Strangers/Nomzamo (7", 4/87) Squark VERX 30 Passing Strange. /Colourflow/No Love Lost (piano) (12", 4/87) Squark VER 34 Promises/Human Nature (editted) (7", 8/87) Squark VERX 34 Promises(extended remix)/Human Nature (12", 8/87) Squark VER 42 Sold on you/Through my fingers (7", 2/89) Squark VERX 42 Sold on you/Through my fingers/Wurensh (12", 2/89) Squark VERCD 42 Sold on you/Through my fingers/Promises/Colourflow (CD, 2/89) GEP PROMO1006 The Darkest Hour/Out of Nowhere editted limited edition ALBUMS MRL MAJ 1001 Tales from the Lush Attic (1000 copies in pale blue numbered sleeve or dark blue unnumbered sleve, 9/83) COSL MAJ 1001 Tales from the Lush Attic (reissue in brown sleeve, 9/84) Sahara SAH 136 The Wake (6/85) STAL BOXER 1 Nine in a pond is here (2-LP, 1000 copies, 11/85) SAMR 045 Living Proof (8/86) Squark VERH 43 Nomzamo (4/87) Squark VERH Are you sitting comfortably? (4/89) CASSETTES IQ own press Seven Stories into Eight (different coloured sleeves, 9/82) IQ own press Seven Stories into Eight (reissue, with different intro to "Intelligence Quotient", 7/83) IQ own press Seven Stories into Eight (reissue with studio version of "For Christ's Sake", 9/84) Sahara SAM136TC The Wake (with bonus track "Dans le Parc", 4/86) Sahara MAJ1001TC Tales from the Lush Attic (with "Just Changing hands", 5/86) Squark VERHC43 Nomzamo (with "Colourflow", 4/87) Squark VERHC Are you sitting comfortably? (3/89) COMPACT DISCS SAMR CD136 The Wake (with "Dans le Parc", 4/86) SAMR CD1001 Tales from the Lush Attic (+ "Just changing hands",10/86) SAMR CD045 Living Proof (10/86) Squark 832141-2 Nomzamo (+ "Colourflow" & "No Love Lost" piano vers 4/87) Squark 836429-2 Are you sitting Comfortably? (3/89) GEP GEPCD 1001 J'ai Pollette D'Arnu (6/91) GEP GEPCD 1004 Living Proof re-issue GEP GEPCD 1006 Ever GEP GEPCD 1010 Tales from the Lush Attic (reissue with Just Changing Hands) GEP GEPCD 1011 The Wake (reissue + Dans le parc+demos of 1000 days/M.rndabt) IMPORTED COMPACT DISCS SACEM CDMS 1018 Tales from the Lush Attic (without bonus track, 2/91) SACEM CDMS 1028 The Wake (+ "Dans le Parc", 2/91) SACEM CDMS 1018 Tales from the Lush Attic (picture disc, 6/91) SACEM CDMS 1028 The Wake (picture disc _ "Dans le Parc", 6/91) SACEM CDMS 1049 Nine in a Pond is Here (with sides 1-3 of orig 2-LP, 2/91) SACEM CDMS 1049 Nine in a Pond is Here (pic. disc, 1-3 of orig 2-LP, 2/91) VIDEO SAMR SAMVID 3 Living Proof (56 mins, 11/86) MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS RS LYN 1190/91 Melody Maker Playback volume 1 (compilation LP, contains IQ track "Beef in a box", 5/82) RS LYN 12028/9 Playback (The Flexi) (Flexidisc sampler, contains "Beef in a box" editted, 5/82) IQFREEB1 Hollow Afternoon (1-sided 7" free at New Year's Eve Marquee gig, 12/84) STAL Other BX Nomzamo (Demo) (1-sided 7" for fan club members, 4/86) RLOG Another BX Fascination/The Bold Grenadier (7" for fan club, 6/87) RLOG 1 more BX A different Magic Roundabout (Honest)/The Big Balls of Bert Christ (7" for fan club, B-side is a segue from "Are you Sitting Comfortably?", 12/88) Abbreviations: RLOG - Record Label of God STAL - Super Tortured Artist Label COSL - Classic One Shoe Label MRL - Major Record Label SAMR - Samurai RS - Red Stripe BX - Boxer YOUR BASIC FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. How/when was IQ formed? In July 1981, 4 members of the defunct group The Lens got together to form a group under the banner of IQ. This original line-up featured Martin Orford (keys) and Mike Holmes (guitar) , Mark Ridout (drums) and Carmine Brundell(dancer/vocals), and a new bassist Tim Esau, who had gained both experience and a small fortune playing in another Southampton club band Eclipse. A move to London early in 1982 coincided with the departure of Mark Ridout and, by May, Carmine Brundell. Peter Nichols was recruited as Brundell's replacement on vocals. Peter knew the group through his occasional work with The Lens and by the autumn, another old friend, Paul Cook, had been drafted in to fill the drum stool and complete what would become the lineup for IQ until Nicholl's departure in 1985. 2. What is GEP ? GEP, or 'Giant Electric Pea' is IQ's own record label, which they formed as a way to release their own (and other) music independently from the music industry. They are very friendly and often offer special deals to direct buyers. The address is: G.E.P., P.O. Box 23, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9WE, England 3. Is there an IQ fan club and how do I join? There are several IQ fan clubs, although only one officially run by the band. The address to write to is the same as the above GEP address. UK membership is #2.50 (pounds), #3.50 for fans in mainland Europe (use an international money order in UK currency), and #8.00 for American fans (#5.00 + #3.00 to cover bank charges). Alternatively if you don't mind sending cash, it's $12 for US fans, $16 for Canadian fans, and $17 for Australian fans. Cheques should be made payable to "IQ fan club". 4. Who are Frank and Edna? Frank and Edna are an old couple who run the IQ fan club and write the newsletters. Their true identity remains a well-kept secret. Rumour has it that both Frank and Edna are in fact Mike Holmes. 5. Do the members of IQ have day jobs, and if so, what do they do? Currently Martin Orford and Mike Holmes are working full time with GEP, Pete Nicholls works as a graphic artist, Paul Cook is a drum teacher, and John Jowitt is a town planner for Bovis Homes. 6. What is The Lens? The Lens, Formed by Mike Holmes in 1976 is the forunner group to IQ. They began gigging in '78 when Mike was joined by brothers Les and Brian Marshall (bass and drums respectively) and Martin Orford (keyboards). In 1980, the group recorded a cassette entitled "No TV Tonite", which sold well at gigs and by mail order. Parts of IQs songs 'Dans le Parc Du Chateau Noire', 'The Last Human Gateway' and 'Widow's Peak' can be detected on this release. Some live bootlegs from this period have also included sections from 'Human Nature', released years later in 1987 on Nomzamo. Despite the modest success of The Lens, a series of setbacks and personnel changes eventually led to the formation of IQ. 7. What is Jadis? Jadis were formed in the mid eighties by Gary Chandler (guitars/vocals). Since then they have supported IQ (on the Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably tours), and also Marillion (on the Clutching at Straws tour). Nick May (ex Quasar and now The Enid) used to play bass for Jadis. In July 1989 severe lineup changes resulted in Martin Orford (IQ) joining on keyboards, and later John Jowitt (IQ) on bass, although John has since left to concentrate more on IQ. Jadis play a style of music somewhere between Camel, It Bites and IQ. Two Jadis CDs are available from GEP, More than meets the eye(GEPCD 1002) and Across The Water(GEPCD 1009). 8. What was 'Seven Stories into Eight' ? In 1982 IQ recorded a collection of demos titled Seven Stories into Eight. There were three different edtions released on cassette and sold at gigs and the local places that would pick up such a recording. The versions only contain minor adjustments, remixes etc. The third is most comonly found. 9. What was 'The Scream' ? This was a magazine produced by Pete Nicholls and sold at early Marquee gigs. 10. How long did it take to record 'Tales from the Lush Attic' ? A big WHOPPING 5 days! 11. What is 'Awake & nervous' about? Awake & Nervous was described as being about a nightmare in The Marquee (the London music venue where IQ play most often, which gets very very hot, sweaty and claustrophobic). It deals with the sensation one gets near the end of a gig when one has been jumping around a lot. 12. Is 'The Wake' a concept album, and if so what is it all about? This is a question which has caused a great deal of discussion - most opinions on the meaning of The Wake are centred around the death of a person who's spirit (for some reason) does not go to Heaven (by choice or otherwise. This, like most all interpretations, is debatable). Peter himself has always been very cagey about what the Wake is about.. he used to give a different answer every time he was asked! It seems to be to be about the undead, particularily reincarnation. This song by song synopsis is generally accepted, but everyone has their own interpretation: Outer Limits: dying The Wake: the funeral, looking back on life Magic Roundabout: heading into the dark - I don't want oblivion Corners: Slipping away.. wish I had another chance Widow's Peak: Hang on, I'm 6ft under and still alive... bizarre Thousand Days: Wow.. this is dead cool.. Headlong: Discarding the old life to go into the new, which happens at the end of the song. 13. What's the translation of "Dans Le Parc Du Chateau Noir"? "In the park of the black castle". 14. Why was 'Living Proof' released twice? The album was first released by Samurai without the band's permission, and was subsequently withdrawn from the shops. However it proved to be a popular album, and so when GEP was later formed IQ decided to re-release the album with new artwork (by Peter Nichols) and clearer photos. 15. Who did the artwork/photos to the original release of 'Living Proof' ? The original artwork for Living Proof was done by Jamie Lockhead, who worked with the record company at the time, and was also the drummer in the prog band Coltsfoot a little earlier. The photos (which only appeared in the CD version) were taken by Graeme Durant from a different gig to the one recorded on the album. The re-release of the album contained much clearer photos taken at the actual show at the Camdem Palace. 16. What made Peter Nicholls quit IQ? 'There was an incredible moment of tension at this time. We didn't speak to each other, and for me it was realy a feeling of 'them or me'. Something had to break, and I decided to go - very hard decision to make, I couldn't sleep at night.' [Fascination Dutch IQ Fanclub, nr. 2]* 'What happened was... When I left, the internal relations within the band were rather bad. We didn't speak to each other. I don't how it came to this... We were spending a lot of time together, lived in the same house together and finally it all became too much claustrophobic. We were going to search for our freedom outside the band. When I left, it wasn't actually what I wanted, but the situation was getting worse and worse instead of better. So I thought to myself: either I went on with something I didn't appreciate at all or I'd leave. In the following two years we didn't have much contact. During that period I did Niadem's Ghost. The idea lying behind this was to do something completely different from IQ. It wasn't IQ part 2, because then I wouldn't have had to leave IQ!' [SI Magazine, November 1991]* It has also been observed (and mentioned by band mambers themselves) that there was tension between Pete and Tim. Peter's rejoining more or less coinsides with Tim's departure also, which supports this theory. However... "As to why I left the band in 1985, and with regard to Martin's 'explanation': this is complete crap! There wasn't a problem at all with Tim and I not getting on with each other. There weren't any ego clashes between us and we definitely didn't compete with each other for the attention of the female members of the audience! (Who on earth came up with that one?) Quite why Martin said this, I'm not sure. Possibly because there were bad feelings at the time, or, most likely, it was his sense of humour. Either way, don't believe all you hear through the grapevine. The actual truth is that NONE of us really got on anymore. We'd spent so much time together, we'd just ran out of things to say to each other. We disagreed on some key aspects of where IQ's music should be going, and how the band was being managed, and there was a ridiculous amount of tension every single day. In addition to this I was going through some very difficult personal problems outside of the band, situations which had nothing to do with IQ, and I couldn't see any way for it to improve. So I left because it was all too much to handle. I certainly didn't make a prompt return to the band once Tim left. And I didn't rejoin BECAUSE he'd left. When we re-formed IQ properly in 1991, it was initially because we wanted to honour the memory of Ledge Marshall, who replaced Tim. It all came together very naturally, very informally, as a group of friends who wanted to work together again, and that's the way IQ is run now. I don't see any egos chashing in the band. We give each other space to do what we individually do best, and anyway most of us are too old now for showing off. While it's true that we don't get to see Tim regularly, we do stay on good terms with him. The last time I saw him was a couple of years ago and we got along fine. I hope this makes things clearer for you all. Thanks for your continued interest in IQ and let's hope no-one else asks me, 'Why did you leave IQ?'!!" [Peter Nicholls, in a letter to 'It All Posts here'] 17. What is Niadem's Ghost? Niadem's Ghost was a band formed by Pete Nicholls in Manchester, England, in the period after he left IQ, but before he re-joined. They released one album (available on GEP) called 'In Sheltered Winds' which was musically very different to IQ, being more commercial and straightforward. 18. What was 'Nine in a Pond is here' ? "Nine in a Pond is Here" is a double 'official bootleg' that was only sold at gigs in 1985. Only a thousand copies were manufactured. Many fans considered it to be a rip-off, as the track listing implied that three sides were recorded live at one of Peter's last gigs when in fact they contained only early tour rehearsals with Paul Menel. The last side was a collection of novelty taped-but-not-released-for-obvious-reasons type songs. Copies are usually found with the 4th side left off. 19. Who produced 'Are you Sitting Comfortably?' ? Terry Brown, the producer of several albums by Rush among others. 20. Who is 'Les the Landlord' ? 'Les the Landlord" (from Falling Apart At The Seams) is based on a guy called Martin who runs 'The Music Complex', which is a large rehearsal studio complex in London. Martin apparently gave IQ some free rehearsal time for their 'Are you sitting comfortably?' tour. Officially on "Are You Sitting Comfortably" he is credited as: "Martin 'Landlord Goose'". 22. What does the backwards sample at the begining of "It All Stops Here on "J'ai Pollette D'arnu" say? "Now as if I never knew you, life goes on in different towns." 23. What's the translation of "J'ai Pollette D'arnu"? It has no sensible translation! - IQ themselves have admitted that it's just a meaningless French-sounding phrase. 24. What made Peter Nicholls return as IQ's vocalist? After Tim Esau left as IQs bass player, IQ recruited Les 'Ledge' Marshall who used to play with The Lens, and had been a long time friend of the band. Nicholls returned for old times sake to sing an encore at a European gig (with Martin Orford singing for the main set). However shortly after joining IQ Ledge died, and this caused the band to re-think their future. His death brought the band closer and Pete decided to re-join in order for IQ to continue, which IQ believe is what Ledge would have wanted. 25. What is 'N.T.O.C. (Resistance)' ? This was a song written by IQ for release on a compilation CD made by Dutch progressive record company SI records. What the letters N.T.O.C. stand for is anybody's guess, although Martin Orford once claimed it stood for 'Nine Tins of Chutney', although some claim it stands for 'Nine Tins of Chunkies' (a kind of dog food). Apparently the story originates from when the band were all sitting on the beach one day and a piece of paper washed up onto the shore with 'Nine Tins of Chunkies' written on it. Apparently the music for this track was written around 1987 with Paul Menel as a song called "Over the Moon". 26. Where does the phrase 'Hoover the bat' come from? That was the name of the Marquee gig in 1991 when Pete Nicholls officially returned to IQ for his first full gig, and it was also John Jowitt's first gig with the band. They played a mostly 'old' set based on songs from The Wake and Tales from the Lush Attic (with Headlong being played for the first time live). 27. What was Progfest? Progfest was a one day long prog rock concert/festival held a the University of California, Los Angles on May 30th of 1993, originally intended as a two day event. IQ headlined the event, which also featured Citadel, Quill, and Anglagard (in that order). It was IQ's first live show in the States, and was so well received that they were invited back to play a show in San Jose in February 1994. 28. What keyboard equipment does Martin Orford use? Martin's current live setup includes: * Yamaha SY85 - A very versatile digital synthesizer with very 'big' sounds. * Roland D50 - A legendary early digital synth with very rich sound textures. * OSC Oscar - A pricey analogue monosynth, used for most synth leads live. * Emu Systems Emax - A fairly old sampling keyboard used for Mellotron live. * Sequential Circuits Prophet VS - A very powerful analogue polysynth The more memorable equipment used by Martin Orford in the past includes: * Logan String Synth - Featured heavily on The Wake; mysterious string sounds * Mellotron - The early tape-sampler for those legendary massive choir sounds * ARP Odessey - A very well respected analogue monosynth, used on Tales * Yamaha CS80 - A classic analogue polysynth weighing rather a lot... 29. IQ often play covers as encores - what covers have they played? * Watcher of the Skies (Genesis) * Liliwhite Lilith (Genesis) * Genesis Medley (The Musical Box, Robery Assult & Battery, Cinema Show) * Sweet Transvestite (Rocky Horror Show) * Ace of Spades (Motorhead) * Master of the Universe (Hawkwind) * Material Girl (Madonna) * Relax (Frankie goes to Hollywood) * For Christ's Sake (Christmas songs medley) * Glenn Miller medley * Cookability ("That's the beauty of gas" UK TV advert tune!) * New Year's Day (U2) * Hey Hey My My (Neil Young) * Suffragette City (David Bowie) * School's Out (Alice Cooper) * Auld Lang Syne * Virginia Plain (Roxy Music) * White Punks On Dope (The Tubes) and probably many many more! 5. LIST RELATED BAND DISCRIPTIONS A guide to many of the other groups discussed on IAPH. In many of the band descriptions, direct quotes were taken for the "1993 Prog Survey". Some of them were changed slightly or added to to make them a little less biased. If you want to know more about these groups, it is highly recomended that you get the entire survey, either via anonymous FTP at cs.uwp.edu or through it's originator Mike Taylor . Our thanks to Mike! Descriptions marked * include information taken from The British Progressive Rock Directory compiled by David Robinson. Contact Neil Durant at the email address mentionned previously if you'd like more information on that excellent and invaluable book. Abbfinoosty * Formed in 1985, Abbfinoosty play a unique blend of folk-rock with a strange eccentric slant. Tapes include Greatest Hits vol II, a 4 track 12" single On the other side and The Wizard, a 3 track cassette, and a new 4 track tape called Drink with the Devil. Ark Melodic Neo-prog bordering on straight forward rock. Somewhat guitar heavy.1990 release The Dreams of Mr. Jones contains a bonus track. Big Big Train * Big Big Train's first release was the 50 minute tape From The River to the Sea, and soon after a self-financed CD version was released. Since then band have released further demos which show an It Bites/Rush influence. Their new album, Goodbye to the age of steam is available from GEP (GEPCD 1007). Big Silence * Big Silence claim to have a broad range of influences from Queen and Aerosmith to Vaughan Williams and Ravel. They describe their music as "Melodic, polished and textured, although with a hard direct guitar sound and strong lyrical content with vocal harmonies". Blyndsyde * Blyndsyde are a technical rock band hinting at Rush/early Yes, with very original vocals by their female vocalist Paula van Wijngaarden. Their debut album Into the Storm of the Eye was released in Feb 1993 and was engineered by Roger Boden (Charlatans/Stone Roses). They have supported bands such as Pendragon, The Enid and IQ, and have earned a lot of respect with their powerful and extremely tight live performances. Maryen Cairns * A 26 year old Australian now living in London. Her debut album The Pictures Within released on 17th Feb 1992 earned her TV exposure in the USA. She went on to sing backing vocals on Fish's album Internal Exile. She has a 4-octave voice which she combines with swirling atmospheric music in a similar way to Kate Bush. Camel Guitarist extraordinaire Andy Latimer's band dates back to the early 70's featuring artists such as Pete Bardens, Richard Sinclair and a good deal of the Alan Parsons Project. 1993 release: Never Let Go two disc set. Mark Catley Prog guitarist who teamed with Geoff Mann on two releases: The Off The End Of The Pier Show (91) and In Difference (88). He's currently doing his own thing. Citizen Cain * Citizen Cain were formed in 1984 in London from a Scottish band Not Quite Red Fox who previously turned down Fish after his first ever audition with a band. Apparently he lacked enough stage presence and charisma!Albums by Citizen Cain have had a jazz-prog-rock feel, and their new album due out early 1994 is rumoured to be their best release yet and a must for progressive rock fans. Coltsfoot * A band formed originally as Earthfriend in 1984 by Stuart Martin (who went to It All Posts Here compiler Neil Durant's old school!) and Manir Khalic, who Stuart saw on UK quiz programme "Blockbusters" wearing a '6 of the best' t-shirt. Their cassette album From within Stone Circles had a definite folk influence with more than a hint of Jethro Tull. In 1987 Rog Patterson (Pendragon's tour manager) joined as guitarist/vocalist, and they released a cassette album Action at a distance. The band later ground to a halt, but the members have all been continuing to write music, and a new CD is rumoured to be released some time in 1994, possibly engineered by Anthony Phillips. Cyan * A Welsh band drawing influences from Genesis, Yes, Pink Floyd, Mike Oldfield and It Bites. After splitting in the late eighties they re-formed in the early nineties to record new material. The album For King & Country was released on SI records in May 1993. Simon Davies * A self-taught guitarist/musician experimenting with merging progressive rock with classical guitar forms. Some of his work involves many layered guitars giving a dramatic rich sound. Empty Cubes * Empty Cubes released a 2 track demo in June 1991 featuring the tracks Machine gathered meat and Run forever knowing. Empty Spaces * A Scottish band influenced by Pink Floyd, Clannad and Led Zeppelin. The Enid Originating aroung the mid-70's The Enid are one of the most classically influenced prog groups ever. Because of this, they tend toward the mellow side of prog rock. Virtually all instrumental. Epilogue * Formed in 1990 at a sixth form college in Stoke-on-Trent, England. They released a cassette album, Just Killing Time in early 1993. Mild melodic rock. Evolution * Evolution play music influenced by 1980's progressive rock, and the vocals are similar in style to those of Mr So & So. Their thirst cassette, Nature's Revenge is due for release shortly. Exhibit A * Exhibit A were formed in 1984 from the progressive rock band Mithra. An album was released called A different dimension which covers progressive and melodic rock styles. The band are reminiscent to bands such as It Bites (they regularly play It Bites covers live), Genesis and Rush. Ezra A Welsh band, now with virtually the same lineup as Cyan. Final Conflict Extremely vocally sound, harder edged neo-prog group who's 1993 release: Redress the Balance uses complex keyboard/guitar interplay as the back drop for well sung, highly melodic songs. Fish Ex-frontman of the grandfather of all neo-prog groups: Marillion. Tends to lean more toward AOR in his solo career. He tours almost nonstop and is still one of the best performers (as well as lyricists) in the buisiness. Framework * A five-piece melodic prog rock band with a new album entitled Confidential Pictures. Freewill * Freewill's music has a powerful rock element similar to Rush, although still retains an original style involving the subtleties of prog. Galahad A group who is openly influenced by the 'Marillion sound'. Their second release Nothing Is Written got very high praise in many progressive circles in large part due to their highly technical & emotional dilivery. Grace Formed by a group of art students in the late '70s, Grace play music openly influenced by Rocky Music, Family, Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull and Fairport Convention. Their new album, The Piper, The Poet and The Fool focusses on the more predictable, less dynamic side of neo-prog, and has had a great deal of success in Europe. Grey Lady Down An Oxford based band formed originally in 1990 as Shadowland. They have built up a strong local following by continuous gigging, and their debut cassette demo has earned them some very positive reviews. Their style is heavily reminiscent of the keyboard-oriented sides of Marillion and Pendragon. Their largest gig to date at the Marquee in London was a turning point in the bands career and shortly afterwards the band signed a record contract. Neil Durant from Sphere guested for the band on keyboards for that gig. Their new album has been released with quite positive feedback, and the band have just finished a short tour to promote the CD (again with Neil on keyboards for the latter half of the tour). Grey Lady Down will be supporting Pendragon on Rotherham in May 1994 at the end of Pendragon's European tour. Guitar Orchestra * As the name implies, Guitar Orchestra only use guitars in their music. Recordings have in the past included as many as forty overlayed guitar tracks to achieve the required tectures. The new album Interpretations further demonstrates this unique musical style. Haze * Haze were originally formed in 1978 as Groove Taboo, and they later released an excellent tape The Cellar Tapes in 1983. A Haze CD was released in 1993 entitled In The End 1978-1988 which features re-masters of older tracks and live recordings. Tracy Hitchins * Tracey Hitchins has been involved in many neo-prog projects including Quasar and Strangers on a Train. She has also guested on other albums by Shadowland, Landmarq, Moria Falls and Gandalf (also featuring Steve Hackett). Idle Hours * Formed originally in 1978 as a Rush covers band, Idle Hours now consider themselves influenced by bands such as Yes, Van Der Graaf Generator and Genesis. Iona * A band formed in 1989 who take their musical inspiration from visits to the islands of Iona and Lindisfarne. Their aim is to create spiritual atmospheric music that will also inspire. Ire * Their first demo tape First Impressions was well received by fans and reviewers alike, and combines thought-provoking and theatrical lyrics with a powerful rock sound. Their latest release Swimming against the Tide promises to be even more successful. Iron Clowns * An improvisational band inspired by Peter Gabriel, Rain Tree Crow, Blue Nile and Talking Heads. A 13 track cassette release entitled Tidings is available. Mazlyn Jones * A guitarist who used to work for Gerald Durrell (writer/conservationist). Over the years Mazlyn has released many cassttes/CDs. His skilful acoustic work is complicated by sequential projections of landscape, light and shade, and images of the modern world all underpinned by his concern for the environment. Kambium * A new band formed in June 1991 sounding a little like Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention, The Cult, and also Marillion. A demo entitled Crest of a Wave was recorded in 1991 which has sold over 400 copies. A video filmed on location in Devon, and further recording are planned, if not yet available. Landmarq * Formed in 1990 by keyboard player Steve Leigh. Steve previously played with Chemical Alice, his replacement being Mark Kelly (now of Marillion). He also played with Tamarisk, which also included Nick May (now of Quasar and The Enid, and formerly Jadis), and Quasar. Various lineup changes resulted in Uwe D'Rose (ex-Quasar) on guitar, Dave Wagstaff (ex Kooch) on drums, and Steve Gee (ex Artemis) on bass, and Damian Wilson (vocals) joining Steve, and their debut album Solitary Witness was recorded at Clive Nolan's studio Thin Ice. Legend * Legend were formed in August 1988, and since then have changed lineup several times. A live video is available entitled Playing with fire which includes 5 new tracks. Legend are currently working on a new album which will probably be called Second Sight. Manitou * Formed in 1986 by Harry Skinner, Petter Hibbit and Nick Simon (Peter and Nick had been in an early lineup of Galahad). A record deal was signed in London, but the master tapes of their album were stolen by their producer who prompty disappeared! They formed their own label, Mojo, to promote their band, and interest in their new recordings has already come from the USA, Europe and Japan. Marillion Marillion were one of the very first in the new movement of 80's prog music and remain easily the most prosperous. Their 1994 album Brave is 70+ minute concept album dealing with a young girl's madness. Mentaur * Mentaur's roots go back to the English public school of Marlborough. Their first demo, No Mortal Man is no longer available, but the \ second, Try Your Brakes is still available and was far superior. A third demo, Verdict was a turning point or the band, but afterwards their vocalist Dan Hart left the band and was replaced by Carlton Evans. Mentaur recently released their Time Being demo, and are working on their first CD album. Ming Fighters * A young band from Weat Cumbria, sounding remarkably similar to It Bites, which is not too surprising considering their vocalist/guitarist is John Dunnery, nephew of Francis Dunnery of It Bites. The band are now finding their own style, which is moving more towards the sound of Rush, Extreme and Def Leppard. Mmatt * MMATT, or "Magic Moments At Twilight Time", were originally formed in 1986, but after splitting up in 1989, they reformed in 1990 and regained their previous popularity. MMATT have released a number of cassettes themselves, the most recent being White Hawk Atomic. The music of MMATT represents the psychedelic/electronic side of progressive rock. Moondigger Moondigger are a 3 piece power rock band (drummer, guitarist/vocalist, and bass/keyboard player) based in south London. Their style is centred around It Bites, but with the harder, more technical sound of Rush. Moria Falls A young progressive rock band inspired by classic bands such as Yes and Genesis. A cassette demo is available which was recorded in Clive Nolan's Thin Ice studio, and features backing vocals by Tracy Hitchins. Mr So & So * Influences include Rush, Yes, Marillion and Sting, amongst others. Mr So & So are currently working on new material for a new album to follow their Thoughts of Fear and Principle cassette and Paraphernalia CD. Clive Nolan Clive Nolan has been involved with many progressive music projects including trangers on a Train, Casino, Sleepwalker, Shadowland (on vocals), and Pendragon (on keyboards). He has also helped produce/record music by other bands including Landmarq, Quasar, Tracy Hitchins, and Moria Falls. No Man * No Man were formed in 1989, their aim being to create a music that blends timeless emotions, avante-garde techniques and contemporary pop energy in a way that produces the ultimate fusion of the dance beat, the symphony, and the love song. Their next album is expected to feature collaborations with Rain Tree Crow, Robert Fripp and Mark Hollis. Pallas Pallas got off to a start not unlike Marillion and other early 80's prog groups, but because of many personal setbacks never quite break through on the same levels. Their 1984 release The Sentinel is considered by many to be a classic. Rob Parrett * Rob Parrett's music is similar in style to that of Anthony Phillips, Rog Patterson and the accoustic work of Steve Hackett. He is currently working in a new album, as well as some sound track work and a future film score. Rog Patterson * Rog has been involved with many musical projects through the years, and has worked with (amongst others) Coltsfoot and Pendragon. He has recently been working on an as yet unnamed album described as being Jethro Tull meets King Crimson. Pendragon One of the most prolific group of artists on the UK prog scene. Members are spread out across many projects but always seem to come back together, usually outdoing their earlier works. Their 1993 release is called The Window of Life. The band was originally called Zeus Pendragon. Anthony Phillips * Started his musical career in 1965 in Genesis with whom he wrote much of the material on their first two albums before departing in 1970. In 1977 with the help of some Genesis members he recorded his first album, Geese and the Ghost, and in 1978 Wise after the Event, followed by Sides in 1979. Many other projects have taken places since then, including work with Mike Rutherford on Small Creeps Day and Andy Latimer (Camel) on A Single Factor. Anthony now has a deal with Virgin who have released his full back catalogue on CD. He's even had one of his songs covered by Buck's Fizz ! Poisonned Electrik Head * Poisonned Electrik Head consists of 8 members. Their distinctive sound systems from several shared psychedelic encounters. The band have played many large events such as the Glastonbury and Stonehenge festivals, as well as over 300 gigs plus supports to Gong, Hawkwind, Ozric Tentacles, and The Enid. Their music falls between Hawkwind, Floyd, The Cardiacs, Gong, and Devo. Porcupine Tree * Steve Wilson is the only member of Porcupine Tree, playing under 5 different pseudonyms! The recent album Up the Downstair was quite successful, and will be followed by the release of a CD single entitled Radioactive Toy. Primative Instinct * Formed in 1987 in Kent, Primative Instinct were voted the most requested band of 1988 by BBC Eadio Essex. Their music is inspired by acts such as Rush, Pink Floyd, Simple Minds, U2, Barclay James Harvest, and The ission. Quasar * Quasar were formed in 1980 by Keith Turner, and have since appeared with many different lineups including Steve Leigh (Tamarisk, Landmarq), Tracey Hitchins (Strangers on a Train), and Susan Robinson (Solstice), Nick May (Jadis, The Enid), and Steve Hughes (Big Big Train). Quest * Formed in 1986 when they recorded a two song demo One The Edge and Beat of a Citywhich received strong critical acclaim from the music press. The tape won the band a place in the final of the Yamaha band explosion contest of 1987, where they took top honours in the UK leg. A trip to Japan for the finals saw Quest perform Chain Reaction at the legendary Budokan theatre, and they gained first place in the 'Best rock band' category, and second in the overall competition. On returning to the UK they supported It Bites on tour, and after a few years of lineup changes, they supported Sister Sarah (ex members of It Bites) in 1992. A new album by the band is due any time now. Red Jasper * Red Jasper's music is very English, and is based around strong folk roots. Their sound however is a much harder, heavier style than most folk rock. Their lyrics tend to deal with social conflicts and the insanity of current society. Revelation Revelation have been engaged in a very busy touring schedule around the south east of England, and combine a commercial side of progressive rock with plenty of classic prog covers by bands like Rush, Jethro Tull, Genesis and Pink Floyd. Shadowland One of Clive Nolan's (Pendaragon, Casino, Strangers On A Train, solo) many projects. In this case teaming up with guitarist Karl Groom. Clive, a keyboardist, also does most of the writing and singing for this group. Richard Sinclair * The founding member and bassist of Caravan and a sometime member of Camel and Hatfield & The North, Richard has been one of the most enduring front men in prog music today. His Caravan of Dreams album came out in 1991. Jerry Soffe * Jerry Soffe started his first band, Shiny Men, in 1981, and has since been involved with other bands Red, New Celeste, and Guitar Orchestra. In 1991 Jerry released his own album Maglawhich is entirely instrumental, and sounds quite similar to some instrumental passages of Brand X. Solstice * Formed in 1980 by Marc Elton (violin, keyboards and backing vocals), Andy Glass (guitars and backing vocals) and Dave Harden (drums). Andy Glass was formerly in Electric Gypsy which also features Mick Pointer and Doug Irvine who both went on to form (Sil)Marillion. A new album New Life was released in 1993. Sphere Formed in Autumn 1991 by Steve Anderson and Neil Durant, they have suffered several lineup changes which have slowed progress. Their debut demo tape containing 5 live tracks and 5 tracks recorded on a small 4-track recorder has been received with great enthusiasm. Sphere try to create a very big dynamic sound live, perhaps reminiscent of IQ or early Genesis, with an instrumental bias. They have been well received at gigs supporting amongst others Mentaur and Galahad. A new studio recording is being worked on at the moment containing the newer, more complex material and should be available in summer 1994, and a Sphere song will also appear on the forthcoming British Progressive Audio Directory triple cassette. Summer Indoors Summer Indoors most notable release to date is There's Orangie, which was originally available on cassette only, but when they signed a record deal with SI in early 1993 it was released on CD. Their music is difficult to label, but is certainly progressive, and occasionally shows hints of It Bites and IQ. Threshold A heavy prog rock band featuring guitarist Karl Groom (shadowland), and Richard West on keyboards (also shadowland). Their debut album was released on IQ's label GEP. Very engaging heavy progressive rock along the lines of Rush, Metallica, and IQ. Tritych * A combination of jazz fusion and prog rock (pre 1978 Yes, Zappa, Caravan, Steve Hillage and late Gong). Twelfth Night One of the most popular of all neo-prog groups, Twelfth Night were one of of originals. No longer together because of lead singer/artist/personality Geoff Mann's death in 1991. The compilation Collector's Item is a good sampling of their works. Winter * Formed in 1988 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They now live in London and are working hard playing live around England. Similar to Rush, Marillion, and Yes etc, they're pushing the traditional styles of progressive rock into the '90s. The CD Across the Circle's Edge has sold extremely well, which has encouraged the band to produce a second CD to be released in 1994. Many of these bands can be sampled on the British Progressive Rock Audio Directory which comes on three cassettes or around 80 minutes each, available from the author of the British Progressive Rock Directory. 6. DISCLAIMER Quotations taken from various media sources were indicated at all times with a * and were used without permission. The opinions expressed in this faq only represent the views of those individuals who agree with them. For any corrections, additions, comments, etc. please write Ryan Harris with the subject line:"IQ faq".