IQ

The Profile

IQ are an English neo-progressive rock band active since the early 1980s, frequently compared to Genesis for their theatrical vocal style and symphonic keyboard-and-guitar balance. Reviews emphasize their long-form suites, atmospheric writing (often dark or nocturnal in later years), and enduring output across decades with notable lineup changes, especially in the keyboard role.

From the reviews: the band is described as a London/English neo-progressive quintet active since the early 1980s. Peter Nicholls is presented as the band’s singer (absent during the late-1980s period with Paul Menel on vocals, returning by 1993’s Ever). Martin Orford is repeatedly cited as a key keyboardist in classic eras; later reviews credit Neil Durant as keyboardist (notably on The Road of Bones and Dominion). Frequency (2009) is noted as released on Inside Out and featuring replacements Andy Edwards (drums) and Mark Westworth (keyboards) in place of Paul Cook and Martin Orford.

Across these reviews, IQ are portrayed as a historic English neo-prog band with strong Genesis/Hackett-era echoes and a taste for long suites and immersive atmospheres. The discography is described as shifting between more romantic/dreamy phases (e.g., Ever) and darker, more experimental modern works (e.g., The Road of Bones, Resistance, Dominion). Reviews repeatedly highlight keyboards (Orford, later Durant), Peter Nicholls’ distinctive vocal style, and the band’s consistency over decades. Even when criticisms appear (occasional tedium, some tracks less inspired), the overall verdict is that IQ remain among neo-prog’s top acts.