This quartet of indie musicians came together in Newcastle, Tyne & Wear, England, during the summer of 1990 after growing restless with their college studies. Jim James (vocals, guitar), Pete Lofty (vocals, guitar), Chris Scott (drums) and Dave Chary (bass) issued their first single, ‘This Accurate Pain’, the next year on the Chocolate Narcotic label run by an acquaintance. The track demonstrated their knack for crafting intense, persuasive rock pop material shaped by America’s lo-fi alternative underground. “They seem to have a better idea of the indie ethic in America,” remarks James. “They do things for the hell of it and not for some kind of career motive.” True to that outlook, they followed with a run of limited-edition 7-inch singles, among them the warmly received ‘Vertical Orange’/‘What’s The Point’, ahead of their debut mini-album and opening dates alongside Heavenly.
