Smart and sophisticated, the boys from IQEQ really have put together some inventive rock and roll.  Although some moments in the album drag a bit, they have the creative instincts know when to pick up the pace and refresh it all with really energetic tunes.
Fans of Progressive Rock or Jazz will want to check these guys out.
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Boise's IQEQ is not subtle
 - Idaho Statesman
Edition Date: 05/25/07

Boise group IQEQ is not subtle. Two minutes into the opening track — during which vocalist-guitarist Tom Kershaw repeatedly howls "Dig your own graves!" — the quartet disappears into a quagmire of instrumental madness: Synthesizers metamorphose. Sirens blast. Craniums cave in.

Even if you aren't drawn to the eye of the chaotic storm, you have to appreciate IQEQ's trip. While many Boise musicians play in lame metal bands, cover bands or alone in their bedrooms, IQEQ creates an avant-garde, happily mad prog-rock. With clarinet. And ear-to-ear guitar solos. And song titles with "movements." Pink Floyd and King Crimson are obvious influences, but "Quietly in Line" also will remind listeners of everything from Phish and the Disco Biscuits to Mr. Bungle.

Local musicians often can't afford time in real recording studios, but IQEQ would benefit from the experience. A layer of sonic crud distorts aspects of this disc, muddling the vocal harmonies, instrumental separation, drum power and keyboard clarity. Or maybe IQEQ is just going for a dirty-prog vibe? This is not a band that seems concerned with pleasing anyone besides themselves.

Fortunately, there are tunes for the Idaho masses to potentially enjoy. "Burnouts" is accessible in a Sublime-like way. "Half the Way" is wistful, pretty and rockin'. And it's hard not to like tear-a-hole-in-the-sky moments during cloud-scrapers such as "Tribute, Mvt. 4: The East." IQEQ isn't for everyone, and this evolving band probably has a better album in its future. But Boise's music scene is better for all of it.

Michael Deeds
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