6717. IQ - The Enemy Smacks

- Thursday, February 05, 2026

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61shq3kHyJL._UX716_FMwebp_QL85_.jpg

From: Tales From the Lush Attic; Year: 1983; Genre: Progressive Rock

Had a hankering for some second-wave prog rock, aka "neo-progressive rock." IQ is one of the bands from this era that I haven't gotten as heavy into, like I have with ones such as: Pallas or Marillion. IQ though is one of the vanguard of the second prog wave and were only, as far as I am aware beaten to professional published studio release by Marillion's Script for a Jester's Tear; their debut as well. Even at that it was just latter that same year, but who is counting, right?

Anyway, this album is much more like the original prog rockers' released in that it has very few songs, but those songs are quite lengthy, taking up a good share of a side of a record. In fact, Tales From the Lush Attic originally had just five with The Enemy Smacks is just under fourteen minutes and takes up the lion's share of side 2. Musically you can without a doubt hear the influences of a lot of the progressive rock bands that preceded them, especially Kansas and Genesis, at least to my ears.

Hear The Enemy Smacks on YouTube.

My song pick 1 year ago today: Dio - God Hates Heavy Metal

My song pick 2 years ago today: Lou Rawls - What's the Matter With the World?

My song pick 3 years ago today: Melvins - Up The Dumper

My song pick 4 years ago today: Lobo - Where Were You When I Was Falling In Love

My song pick 5 years ago today: Wilson Pickett - Back on the Right Track

My song pick 6 years ago today: Ultravox - Serenade