Pandoras' debut album, It's About Time, on Greg Shaw's Bomp! Records. In 1984, The Pandoras split into two factions just as the It's About Time LP was being released. Founder/Singer/Songwriter Paula Pierce had focus on the direction she wanted to go with her band. Bassist Conway, unhappy with Pierce, quit The Pandoras; followed by Pierce firing keyboardist Kahn. Shortly thereafter, drummer Gomez split from Pierce. Pierce decided to continue as The Pandoras, immediately recruiting three new members who embarked on tour for the It's About Time LP release. Former members Gomez and Conway joined Kahn in the short-lived Gwynne's Pandoras. The brief dispute over the Pandoras name was discussed on a KROQ-FM radio show hosted by Rodney Bingenheimer and in the local music zines such as BAM, Music Connection, and the LA Weekly (and its "L.A. Dee Da" gossip column). Pierce's fresh, new line-up of The Pandoras included Melanie Vammen on keyboards, Julie Patchouli on bass, and Karen Blankfeld on drums. Momentum began picking up with the release of the Hot Generation single on Bomp! Records in late 1984. The Pierce-led band toured the east coast with the Fuzztones to promote the single. Gwynne's Pandoras released "Worm Boy" on an Enigma Records compilation, Enigma Variations, in 1985. When readying for an EP on Enigma Records, the label insisted that Gwynne's Pandoras change their name. This ended the gossip-column controversies, and the Pierce-led Pandoras prevailed. Gwynne's EP, to be titled Psycho Circus, was never released, and a new band name never settled upon. Bassist Julie Patchouli departed The Pandoras in the spring of 1985. A fill-in bassist Gayle Morency joined The Pandoras on bass for two shows. Morency was replaced by bassist, and future founder of The Muffs, Kim Shattuck in July 1985. Rhino era The Pandoras were signed to Rhino Records and began recording the basic tracks for the Stop Pretending album during the winter of 1985 with producer Bill Inglot, who had produced earlier Pandoras and Action Now releases. In 1986, Stop Pretending was released. The Pandoras was labeled "one of the bands that matter" by the LA Weekly. The band continued to play live and record new songs for their major label debut and were a top live club draw outside of Los Angeles, touring with Nina Hagen, and performing on bills with such acts as Iggy Pop, The Fuzztones, The Beat Farmers, Johnny Thunders, The Alarm, Madness,