Musically, they were dissimilar to most other bands of the time, but shared a common ground with The Slits, Gang of Four and the Mekons, utilising almost percussive guitar rhythms and prominent basslines that were more influenced by reggae and calypso than the usual rock 'n' roll riffs and solos, and adding a hitherto unheard danceability to the previous punk/new wave sound.
They signed to Kamera records before releasing follow-up 'Sense and Sensuality', which some critics dismissed as tired and dogmatic despite an obvious sarcasm in the lyrics. They split after releasing a live album in 1983, when Woods failed to arrive for a concert booking in Belgium. She later intimated that the split was due to drugs, lack of money and nervous exhaustion, "the usual rock 'n' roll stuff" as she put it, and settled in London to study for a Law degree, later forming all-female band the Darlings. Foad continued with Hammond and Graham Hamilton (who performed vocal duties at the Belgium gig when Woods failed to show) and formed End of Chat.
Their particular brand of protest song and clash of musical styles took in punk, ska, reggae, and folk, and paved the way for artists ranging from P.J. Harvey through to early 90's agit-prop hopefuls Back To the Planet.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE AU PAIRS: P.J.Harvey, The Slits, Gang of Four, Back To the Planet, Chumbawamba, Throwing Muses, Sleater-Kinney, The Raincoats, Siouxsie & the Banshees.