Ed had taken over as vocalist by the time they played their first gig in 1992, and within a year, the NME were praising them and describing them as 'the Stone Roses on P.C.P.' They were soon releasing singles on their own label, with 'Real Surreal' and 'Shame/Lady Love Your Cunt' gaining particularly pleasing reviews, the latter being awarded single of the week in both the N.M.E. and Melody Maker.
Being seen as one of the leaders of a scene that was later dubbed 'New Wave of New Wave' by the press (which the band constantly dismissed as 'bollocks'), they had actually achieved their success on the back of a gruelling tour schedule, which was further aided by their socialist ideal of offering a cheap entry price policy. These exciting live performances helped them gain many admirers, including Billy Corgan from the Smashing Pumpkins, Billy Bragg and Joe Strummer, (the latter two were also likely to have been a major influence on their aggressive, politically minded, punk-based rock sound).
Sub-Pop records offered them a record deal, but they chose instead to sign with Hi-Rise Records (also the home of fellow N.W.O.N.W. scene members These Animal Men), and their early singles were compiled on a mini-album to avoid original copies changing hands for inflated prices amongst record collectors. This album hit the UK top 30, which gave them the opportunity to perform on Top of the Pops (thanks to a S*M*A*S*H loving producer being in charge at the time!), and they gained further popularity through their involvement with, and performance at 1994's London Anti-Nazi Carnival alongside Billy Bragg (also appearing were the Manic Street Preachers).
The single '(I Want To) Kill Somebody' met with censorship problems due to the apparent incitement to murder senior politicians listed in the lyrics, although most tabloid journalists overlooked the line 'It's not that I want them dead, it's just this world would be a better place if they never existed.' Despite this, and the single only being available to purchase for 24 hours, they reached the top 30, but the BBC would only broadcast an unauthorised remix where all lyrics they considered offensive had been removed (conspiracy theorists take note!).
The debut album arrived in September 1994, and showed their flair for punky, aggressive rock 'n' roll, and politically and socially aware lyrics, as well as containing a few more tender moments reflecting on regret and friends who had passed away.
Sadly, the group ended rather abruptly within a year. One explanation offered was that early tracks the band didn't want released were being planned as a single by their former label, so they split to scupper any chance of the release being successful. With main spokesman Ed keeping a relatively low profile ever since, no real confirmation of what happened has ever surfaced. Regardless of this, along with the Manic Street Preachers and the Levellers, they were one of the few bands of the '90's who actively raised levels of political awareness amongst the apathetic youth of the U.K.
Rob moved on to join These Animal Men for their highly underrated second album, and is now drummer for Mo Solid Gold, who formed from the ashes of T.A.M. with a mod-influenced rock and soul hybrid. Sal has since re-appeared as a DJ and as bass player for Jim's Super Stereo World (featuring ex-members of Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine).
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE S*M*A*S*H: These Animal Men, The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd, The Slits, Elastica, The Velvet Underground, MC5, Manic Street Preachers, Fabulous, The Damned, Dead Kennedys, Billy Bragg, Blaggers ITA, The Levellers.