The band name is derived from Robert Browning's poem about the Renaissance painter Filippo Lippi.
Inspired by British post-punk band Joy Division, the album received some favourable reviews and was distributed in several European countries.
In 1983, Per Øystein Sørensen came on board as the band's lead vocalist for their second album Small Mercies.
They now had a brighter, more pop-oriented sound and received a number of positive reviews in their home country and in the British music press.
At this point, Sjøberg and Kvalnes departed at the prospect of giving up their day jobs for the uncertain careers as professional musicians, leaving Kristoffersen and Sørensen as the only two members.
The band also scored a hit single in Europe with "Shouldn't Have to Be Like That", a double A-side with "The Distance Between Us".
[5] In 1987, the band recorded and released their follow-up album Light and Shade in Los Angeles, CA, with the producing aid of Walter Becker.
The duo considered splitting up, but eventually decided to continue as Fra Lippo Lippi and released the self-produced album Dreams in 1992.
[citation needed] On 16 and 17 June 2023, Sorensen performed at the Theatre at Solaire and at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex respectively.
[citation needed] He continues to write and record music with his own band in his home country of Norway.