IQ is a British progressive rock band founded by Mike Holmes in 1982 following the dissolution of his original band The Lens (1976 - 1981). Although the band has never enjoyed major commercial success, IQ has built up a loyal cult following over the years and is still active as of 2004.

The band's lineup has remained fairly stable over the years. Vocalist Peter Nicholls left for a while to form a new band, Niadem's Ghost, and was replaced by Paul (P. L.) Menel, but subsequently returned. Nicholls also created the cover art for most of the albums on which he appears. Bassist John Jowitt and keyboardist Martin Orford have also been members of Jadis.

The band's musical style consists of hard melodic rock, with emotional and often abstract lyrics by Nicholls. The two albums on which Menel wrote and performed have more immediately understandable lyrics, but a similar musical style..

Current formation

• Peter Nicholls - Vocals on all albums except Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
• Mike Holmes - Guitars, Keyboards
• Martin Orford - Keyboards, Backing vocals
• John Jowitt - Bass guitar, Backing vocals
• Paul Cook - Drums

Former members

• Paul Menel (a.k.a. P. L. Menel) - Vocals on Nomzamo and Are You Sitting Comfortably
• Tim Esau - Bass guitar (early albums)

Discography

• Seven Stories into Eight (cassette) (1982)
• Tales from the Lush Attic (1983)
• The Wake (1985)
• Living Proof (live) (1986)
• Nine in a Pond is Here (1987) ("official bootleg" of demos etc, CD version is abridged)
• Nomzamo (1987)
• Are you Sitting Comfortably? (1989) (title derived from BBC radio programme "Listen with Mother")
• J'ai Pollette D'arnu (1990) (b-sides and live tracks)
• Ever (1993)
• ForEver Live (1993)
• Subterranea (1997)
• Seven Stories into Ninety Eight (1998) (original 1982 album plus new re-recorded version)
• The Lost Attic (1999) (rarities)
• Subterranea : The Concert (2000)
• The Seventh House (2000)
• Dark Matter (2004)

External links

• Official IQ web site (http://www.gep.co.uk/iq/index.html)