The band were formed in 1985 by guitarist Noel Kilbride (guitar) and Neil Woodward (bass) with Jayne Waterfall (drums) and vocalist Dave Giles.

Andy Hartley (bass) joined the following year with Jane Bromley taking over vocals.

Mixing industrial noise with guitars and effects, they were compared in their early days to the likes of The Birthday Party and Sonic Youth.

[1][2] The band's first two albums, Songs of Praise and Blowtorch, were released on the Further label, subsequently signing to Blast First.

Trout later worked with former Pale Saints member Ian Masters in Spoonfed Hybrid.