In comparison with the turbulent configurations of so many of their peers, until recently IQ had been one of the progressive scene’s more stable bands. Their line-up remain unchanged since singer Peter Nicholls returned to the fold for 1993’s Ever. However the title of the band’s last album, 2004’s Dark Matter, could be retrospectively interpreted as prophetic for the veteran band given the various upheavals they’ve since weathered. The first major change was when long-time drummer Paul Cook left IQ in 2005 after 23 years’ service.
As Cook’s replacement the band swiftly selected Andy Edwards, formerly of Robert Plant’s band and better known to a prog audience as a member of Frost*. But a more significant departure was to follow. During 2007, when the band was well through writing Frequency, keyboardist and co-founder Martin Orford tendered his resignation.
