Colourbox - Early 12" Singles & Radio Session

4AD Records have always been associated with groud breaking acts, mostly releasing music of a darker (slightly gothic) nature. This lot were slightly different and certainly surprised those who would pick up one of their records, purely because it was on the 4AD label.

Colourbox were London-based brothers Martyn and Steven Young, who recruited vocalist Debian Curry to sing on their 1982 4AD debut "Breakdown". Radio One DJs John Peel and David Jensen picked up on the release and gave it regular airplay. The same year Jensen offered them a session on his Radio One evening show (included here). The B-side of Breakdown was the stunning Tarantula which would be later covered by 4AD "house band" This Mortal Coil.

Curry was replaced by Lorita Grahame in time for the trio's 1983 re-recording of the same track. Colourbox's self-titled debut EP was a collection of dub and scratching experiments heralding their first plunge into sampling technology, edited down from three hours of studio sessions - appeared later that same year, with the single Say You following in 1984. After another 12-inch, Punch, the group issued 1985's The Moon Is Blue, a teaser for their upcoming full-length LP, Colourbox. The album didn't disappoint as a collection of superb, glossy, electronic pop with Lorita's stunning and soulful vocals.

A dubby cover version of Baby I Love You So and The Official Colourbox World Cup Theme followed both being released as singles on the same day in 1986. (the latter single relating to the World Cup in Mexico in 86, which was allegedly offered to the BBC for its TV coverage). Colourbox would metamorphosise into MARRS and hve a massive worlwide hit in 1987 with Pump Up The Volume.

BAD304:

1. Breakdown (Version 2)

2. Tarantula

BAD406:

1. Punch

2. Keep On Pushing

3. Shadows In The Room

BBC Radio:

1. Punch

2. Keep Pouring Me Like Water Up The Tap

3. Bleach

Links removed due to forthcoming reissue boxset on 4AD