Modern English
Formed in Colchester, Essex, England, in 1979, their debut MESH AND LACE was released in suitably arty packaging by 4AD Records two years later. It drew heavily on the gloom already patented by bands like Joy Division, and had little originality or focus. AFTER THE SNOW, recorded by the same line-up of Robbie Gray (vocals), Gary McDowell (guitar/vocals), Richard Brown (drums), Mick Conroy (bass /vocals) and Stephen Walker (keyboards), was a minor revelation, as they introduced warmth and strong guitar harmonies, rejecting the tinny bleakness of the debut. It was well-received in the USA, and the band re-located to New York to consolidate a popularity encouraged by college radio. RICHOCHET DAYS had a crisper production but less creative experimentation. By STOP START, released by Sire Records in 1986, Stephen Walker and Richard Brown had left, and Aaron Davidson (keyboards/guitar) had joined. The band had tried too hard for commercial approval and was left with an unspecific rock/pop sound which caused them to split soon afterwards. Robbie Gray returned to England to form a new group.