IQ - Nomzamo (1987) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

Label: Vertigo
Country: UK
Released: 1987
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

"Nomzamo" is the third studio album by the British neo-progressive rock band IQ, released in May 1987 through Vertigo / Squawk, catalog number VERH 43. This album was recorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, with production led by Ken Thomas and sound engineering by Barry Hammond. The recording sessions took place early in 1987, marking a new chapter for the band.

Lineup Changes

The album features the new lead vocalist P.L. Menel, following the departure of original frontman Peter Nicholls. Menel contributed not only vocals but also lyrics, adding a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound. The lineup also includes Mike Holmes on guitars and guitar synthesizers, Martin Orford on various synthesizers and organs, Tim Esau on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Paul Cook on drums and percussion.

Musical Style and Production

"Nomzamo" blends intricate progressive rock structures with accessible 1980s pop-rock elements. The use of digital synthesizers such as the Yamaha CS-80, Sequential Prophet VS, and E-mu Emulator II enhances the album’s sonic palette. The incorporation of guitar synthesizers further diversifies the sound. The album opens with the eight-minute track "No Love Lost," which sets a grand tone. It also includes the melodic single "Promises (As The Years Go By)" and the atmospheric title track "Nomzamo," which is dedicated to activist Nomzamo Winnie Mandela.

Track Highlights

The second side of the album features "Passing Strangers," a reflective piece, and the nine-minute "Human Nature," which delves into heavier progressive themes. The album closes with "Common Ground," a suite that encapsulates the band’s progressive roots. Each track on this album contributes to a cohesive listening experience, showcasing the band's evolution in style and sound.

Release Details

"Nomzamo" was released in 1987 and has since been recognized for its innovative approach within the progressive rock genre. The album cover design was conceptualized by Chris Morton, contributing to the visual identity of the release. The production techniques employed during the recording process reflect the technological advancements of the time.

Recorded at Chipping Norton Recording Studios in Oxfordshire, "Nomzamo" features various synthesizers including the E-mu Emulator II and Yamaha DX7.

Tracklist

A1	No Love Lost Backing Vocals – MickyBass Guitar, Pedalboard [Taurus Pedals] – TimDrums – PaulGuitar [Guitars], Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth] – MikeSynth [Logan String Synth], Synthesizer [EMUII, EMAX, Prophet VS], Backing Vocals – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.
A2	Promises (As The Years Go By) Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar – MikeBacking Vocals – MickyBass Guitar, Backing Vocals – TimDrums – PaulSynthesizer [EMUII, EMAX, Prophet VS], Backing Vocals – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.
A3	Nomzamo Bass Guitar, Pedalboard [Taurus Pedals] – TimDrums, Percussion – PaulGuitar [Guitars], Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth] – MikeSynthesizer [EMUII, EMAX, Prophet VS, CS80, ARP Odyssey], Mellotron – MartinVocals – P.L.*
A4	Still Life Bass Guitar [Fretless Bass] – TimDrums – PaulGuitar [Guitars], Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth] – MikeSaxophone – RaySynthesizer [EMUII, EMAX, Prophet VS, DX7] – MartinVocals – P.L.
B1	Passing Strangers Backing Vocals – MickyBass, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals – TimDrums – PaulGuitar [Guitars] – MikeSynthesizer [EMAX, Prophet VS], Backing Vocals – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.
B2	Human Nature Backing Vocals – MickyBass, Bass Guitar [Fretless Bass], Backing Vocals – TimDrums – PaulGuitar [Guitars], Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth] – MikeSynthesizer [CS 80, EMAX, Prophet VS], Backing Vocals – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.
B3	Screaming Backing Vocals – MickyBass Guitar – TimDrums – PaulGuitar, Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth], Keyboards [EMU II] – MikeSynthesizer [EMUII, EMAX, Prophet VS], Mellotron, Organ [Hammond B3], Backing Vocals – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.
B4	Common Ground Bass Guitar [Fretless Bass], Bass – TimDrums – PaulElectric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer [Guitar Synth] – MikeSynthesizer [CS80, EMAX, Prophet VS], Mellotron – MartinVocals, Backing Vocals – P.L.*