Briar
This pop-rock quartet was formed in Birmingham, England, during 1983 by Kevin Griffiths (vocals/bass) and Daren Underwood (guitar). With Dave Fletcher (guitar) and Dean Cook (drums), they released a self-financed single that was given considerable airplay by BBC Radio 1 disc jockey, Peter Powell. A Radio 1 live session was followed by a recording contract with Heavy Metal Records. TOO YOUNG emerged in 1985, an over-produced affair that was full of lightweight guitar, high-pitched harmonies and inoffensive lyrics. The album flopped and the band were forced to return to the club circuit. TAKE ON THE WORLD, a self-financed cassette was released in 1986, which eventually led to a new contract with CBS. Half the album comprised a selection of cover versions which included Richie Valens's La Bamba and Sister Sledge's Frankie, which may have suggested a note of desperation sinking in.