"[1] Piet Collins, who was writing Neighbours episodes at the time,[4] joined on drums in 1991 due to other commitments for both Day and Simcic.
[3] The group were renamed as the Sharp, which according to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane "Boasting double bass, stand-up drums, rockabilly-tinged guitar licks and musicians dressed in all black... [they] presented a united front and an interesting twist on 1990s pop... [their] aesthetic push incorporated frisky pop melodies, tight arrangements, strong harmonies and grungy guitar riffs.
[1] In June 1992 they issued their debut CD three-track single "Love Your Head", on Mushroom Distribution Services.
Their first hit single, "Talking Sly" (from the Spinosity EP), was written and sung jointly by Rooke and Catlin, which "received plenty of radio support and high critical acclaim.
They promoted the album with an Australian tour as a support act for United States group, Spin Doctors.
The latter had four cover versions of work by The Cure ("The Love Cats"), Blondie ("Hangin' on the Telephone"), Lou Reed ("Vicious") and The Violent Femmes ("Add It Up").
[1][5] Jacqueline Fuller of The Canberra Times felt it was "a foray into the new lyrical themes of social comment and psychological turmoil rather than The Sharp's typical love and party songs.
The group were known for their image of black high neck skivvies,[6] and energetic live shows,[3] including Catlin balancing on his double bass while playing, and Rooke leaping off the drum kit mid-guitar solo.
[citation needed] Early in 1995 Adam May replaced Collins on drums, however in August the group announced their proposed disbandment due to burn out.
[1][3] Rooke explained to Liz Armitage of The Canberra Times in that month how the Sharp had decided to break up: "It was a round-table discussion.
Joining Charlie and Piet on double bass is The Living Ends' Scott Owen and vocalist Louie Lee Feltrin.