 The band formed in 1988 with an initial lineup of James Johnston (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Mike Delanian (bass), who by 1990 had recruited Nick Combe (drums).After debut single "Snakepit" the band signed to the Clawfist label, releasing the "Ruby" single in late 1990 (a cover of the song by New York band The Silver Apples).with Nick Combe on drums and Joe Byfield on maracas.The band released three singles in 1991, one of which ("Some Fool's Mess") was named 'Single of the Week' by the "NME"., by which point Combe had been replaced by Max Décharné.