Vocalists Martin Brammer (born 13 May 1957, Seaham, County Durham) and Paul Woods, plus multi-instrumentalist Dave Brewis formed the trio in 1982, after meeting in small local bands, and signed to a small record label, which led to a deal with London Records in 1984.
Their debut album, Bad and Lowdown World of the Kane Gang (released in the United States as Lowdown), was released the next year, and spawned two United Kingdom hit singles. These were \"Closest Thing To Heaven\" (#12) and a cover of The Staples Singers' \"Respect Yourself\" (#21). The latter was also a hit in Australia, reaching #19. The album had a decent pedigree, being produced by Pete Wingfield, and having both P. P. Arnold and Sam Brown as backing vocalists.
The band's next album, Miracle, released in 1987, spawned two US hit singles: \"Motortown\" (#36 US / #45 UK) and another cover - this time of Dennis Edwards' \"Don't Look Any Further\" (#64 US / #52 UK). The latter hit #1 on the US Dance Charts.
Woods left the band in 1991 to attempt a solo career. Woods and Brewis also worked on an album which was never released.
