Pale Saints

Pale Saints began their existence as a three-piece ethereal pop band based in Leeds, England. Forming in 1987, the band was signed to 4AD records after their first London show by 4AD chief Ivo. Their first EP, Barging Into the Presence of God, was critically praised, but received minimal press, especially in the United States.

Related Topics:
Pop - Leeds - England - 1987 - 4AD - United States

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:1987:

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::Ian Masters - Bass, Vocals

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::Graeme Naysmith - Guitar

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::Chris Cooper - Drums

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Early band interviews showed them to be a fun-loving bunch in contrast to their dark, lyrically pessimistic pop music. They described themselves as enthusiastic football fans and were perpetually excited about touring. Lead vocalist Ian Masters was often wont to gratuitously lie in interviews, helping the group to succesfully build up a certain party reputation.

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The band's first album was recorded in 1990 and entitled The Comforts of Madness. Tracks from the album were separately produced by both John Fryer and Gil Norton. A mixture of atmospheric, unique male-ethereal vocals along with noisy pop-oriented guitar created a heretofore unheard of combination. The album includes a cover of "Fell From the Sun" by Opal (pre-Mazzy Star).

Related Topics:
1990 - John Frye - Gil Norton

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:1991:

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::Ian Masters - Bass, Vocals

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::Meriel Barham - Guitar, Vocals

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::Graeme Naysmith - Guitar

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::Chris Cooper - Drums

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In late 1990, the band added Meriel Barham, the original vocalist from Lush, as second guitarist and vocalist. Meriel added backing vocals and guitars to the Half-Life EP, then joined permanently for the Flesh Balloon EP.

Related Topics:
Meriel Barham - Lush

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In 1992 the band recorded their second full-length album, entitled In Ribbons. Produced by Hugh Jones, the album reached modest sales in the UK, but was largely ignored in the US. In this year they also recorded the Hugh Jones produced EP Throwing Back the Apple.

Related Topics:
1992 - Hugh Jones

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:1993:

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::Meriel Barham - Vocals, Guitar

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::Colleen Browne - Bass, Vocals

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::Graeme Naysmith - Guitar

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::Chris Cooper - Drums

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Ian Masters departed the band in 1993. By most accounts, he became more and more disenchanted with pop music and wanted to go in a more experimental direction with minimal drums and ambient sounds. He also seemed to have lost all joy for touring and live performance. He subsequently began a collaboration with colleague Chris Trout which led to the group Spoonfed Hybrid. Spoonfed Hybrid recorded their eponymous debut album, produced by the band and Duncan Wheat, in 1993. Ian and Chris shared the vocal and songwriting duties, and also played all of the instruments. The album was somewhat sparse and quite experimental in comparison to the Pale Saints catalog.

Related Topics:
1993 - Chris Trout - Spoonfed Hybrid - Duncan Wheat

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Pale Saints added former Heart Throbs bassist Colleen Browne in 1993. They then wrote and recorded the EP Fine Friend, which was produced by Hugh Jones and released in mid 1994. Following these sessions, they returned to the studio to complete the fall 1994 album Slow Buildings, also produced by Jones. This album was almost universally less appreciated by critics and fans alike, who seemed to miss the unique qualities which Ian Masters brought to the band. The group toured Europe and the United States in late fall of 1994. Their final studio recording was a version of "Jersey Girl" for the Tom Waits tribute album Step Right Up. Meriel Barham departed in September of 1995 and the band eventually came to an end in early 1996, partly as a result of weak label support and relative disinterest.

Related Topics:
Heart Throbs - Colleen Browne - 1994 - Tom Waits - Step Right Up - 1995 - 1996

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