Biography of Shriekback

A U.K. dance-rock band, 1982-1989, with varying personnel. The only constant member was keyboard player Barry Andrews, a former member of XTC. The original lineup was a trio also featuring former Gang of Four bassist Dave Allen and guitarist and vocalist Carl Marsh. They reached the U.S. charts with their first album, Care, in 1983, and the U.K. charts with their second, Jam Science, in 1984. Oil & Gold (1985), Big Night Music (1987) and Go Bang! (1988) also made the lower reaches of the U.S. charts, but the group's real home was in discos devoted to the kind of electronic, industrial-noise dance music of such peers as Ministry. Hits include "Nemesis" and "My Spine (Is the Bassline)." ~ William Ruhlmann