The band formed in 1982, which will make my general opinion on their sound seem unfair: almost every band I would draw comparisons to formed several years after IQ, and some of them around the peak of IQ's (and similar bands') popularity. That said, the best way I can describe Frequencyis as a collection of Rush, Porcupine Tree, and Dream Theater on their more mellow or ballad-like songs. Another band I might compare them to would be Frost*, but I guess that makes sense since two of the members of Frost* are also involved in IQ. Some of the instrumental breaks--of which there are plenty--also remind me of Zeroesque's groove-oriented, non-shred sections.
The music is frequently keyboard-driven, or at least with ethereal guitar backings rather than any kind of hard-edged riffing. That's not to say there aren't any aggressive passages--there are several crushing sections in "The Province", and there's a fairly mean groove toward the end of "Riker Skies." "Stronger Than Friction" also has a passage near the end with a Zeroesque-like riff and some harsher-edged vocals that James LaBrie might spout. On the other hand, the CD is mostly overwrought balladry, such as the inane 80s pop intro to "One Fatal Mistake," which could easily be a staple of Adult Contemporary radio. Truth be told, I think it's the vocals and lyrics which most kill this CD for me: I can visualize the singer emoting the words with his full body, but in a manner that falls just short of the acceptable ridiculousness of power metal and so lands closer to cringe-inducing.
Vocals (and "One Fatal Mistake") aside, the CD is musically diverse and generally enjoyable. The band definitely fulfills requirements for progressive albums to be complex, with long, sprawling compositions. If you can get past the vocals--or if you prefer, for instance, Dream Theater's ballads to their heavier songs--you might give this one a try.
Info and Links
IQ - Frequency
Rating:
Preview and Purchase This CD Online
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Hot In The City: Prog Band Tu-Ner Coming to Phoenix
blink-182 Launching North American Stadium And Arena Tour
Watch David Gilmour's 'The Piper's Call' Video
Check Out Powerman 5000 'Dancing Like We're Dead'
The String Cheese Incident Take Fans On Epic 'Roll Around The Sun'
Watch Motley Crue's 'Dogs Of War' Video
Richie Sambora Returns With 'I Pray', The First Of Four New Songs
The Smashing Pumpkins Reveal New Guitarist
Linkin Park Top Hard Rock And Vinyl Albums Charts With Papercuts