[1] The group never gained a mainstream audience but were an influence on several of their grunge contemporaries, including Soundgarden, Screaming Trees, and Green River.

The band was formed in January 1985 by Daniel House and Jack Endino, who were subsequently joined by Ben McMillan and Matt Cameron.

In addition to featuring the first commercial recordings of Malfunkshun, Melvins, Soundgarden, and Skin Yard, this album was the first to showcase the early grunge sound.

Scott McCullum filled the vacancy in May 1987 and he remained for two years, during which time the band recorded and released their second album, Hallowed Ground (1988).

He was replaced by Pat Pedersen, who stayed with the band for the recording of their final album, Inside the Eye, which featured the single "Undertow".

During the late 1990s, Martin formed the grunge supergroup Mad Season with Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley, Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready, and bassist John Baker Saunders.