page_title: IQ (band)
section_title: Musical style
hierarchical_section_title: IQ (band) / Musical style
caption_attribution_description: English: The band IQ at the Classic Rock Society at the Montgomery Hall, Wath on Dearne, South Yorkshire, England on January 16th 2010.
context_page_description: IQ are a British neo-progressive rock band founded by Mike Holmes and Martin Orford in 1981 following the dissolution of their original band The Lens. Although the band have never enjoyed major commercial success and had several lineup changes, IQ have built up a loyal following over the years and are still active as of 2020, currently with the original recording lineup. In 2011, IQ performed a series of concerts in the UK and Europe celebrating their 30th anniversary.
context_section_description: The band's musical style, especially earlier in their career, was reminiscent of Peter Gabriel and Steve Hackett era Genesis because of singer Peter Nicholls' vocal and stage-presence similarities to Gabriel and keyboardist Martin Orford's grandiose keyboarding. However, guitarist Mike Holmes' role was far more assertive in the band, giving them a harder edge musically. After Nicholls' departure, the band's style became increasingly commercial and radio-friendly — albeit without much success — on Nomzamo (1987) and Are You Sitting Comfortably? (1989), although each album still featured some progressive rock-style tracks. Beginning with Nicholls's return on 1993's Ever, the band returned to its prog rock roots, with longer tracks featuring intricate arrangements and complex musicianship.
caption: At The Classic Rock Society Awards Night, 16 January 2010. The band had won Band of the Year and Best Album for "Frequency".  L-R: Holmes, Nicholls, Cook, Westworth, Jowitt
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