The Sea Urchins were an indie pop band from West Bromwich, England formed in 1986. They were the first band to release a single on Sarah Records.
The initial line-up was James Roberts (vocals), Simon Woodcock (guitar), Robert Cooksey (guitar), Mark Bevin (bass), Bridget Duffy (tambourine, organ), and Patrick Roberts (drums). Their first two releases were flexi discs given away with fanzines in 1987. Bevin left, to be replaced by Darren Martin. Their "Pristine Christine" single was the first Sarah Records release, and is highly coveted among vinyl record collectors.
With the following year's double-A-side "Solace"/"Please Rain Fall" they began to show more mod-rock influences. Both singles were successful in indie terms, but Sarah Records were unwilling to commit to an album, and Duffy and Martin left. Woodcock took over on bass, with James Roberts adding guitar. The band released one more single for Sarah ("A Morning Oddyssey" in 1990), but disagreements about the next single saw them move on to Cheree Records, who issued "Please Don't Cry" in 1991.
The band split up in summer 1991. Two albums were subsequently released; Sarah Records issued a compilation of the band's material for the label, including the flexi-disc tracks, as Stardust in 1992, while Fierce Recordings issued a live album in 1994.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first discovered the band in the spring of 1987 via a flexi-disc from Kvatch magazine, which he played the track, 'Clingfilm', on his programme. Further material from the band including their debut release on Sarah Records was played on his radio programmes until the early 90's.
Shows Played[]
- 1987
- 27 May 1987: 'Clingfilm (flexi)' (Kvatch magazine)
- 09 November 1987: Pristine Christine (7") Sarah
- 17 November 1987: Pristine Christine (7") Sarah
- 27 November 1987 (BFBS): 'Pristine Christine (7")' (Sarah)
- 30 November 1987: Sullen Eyes (7" - Pristine Christine) Sarah
- 14 December 1987: Pristine Christine (7") Sarah
- 1991
- 29 June 1991: Please Don't Cry (12") Cheree
- 15 July 1991 (Radio Bremen): Please Don't Cry (7") Cheree
- 21 July 1991: Please Don't Cry (12") Cheree
- 26 July 1991 (BFBS): Please Don't Cry (12") Cheree
- 1992
- 12 September 1992: A Morning Odyssey (album - Stardust) Sarah
- 26 September 1992: 'Cling Film (CD-Stardust)' (Sarah)
- 05 October 1992 (BBC World Service): Please Rain Fall (LP - Stardust) Sarah
- 24 October 1992: Cling Film (album - Stardust) Sarah