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..