Delta 5

Known for their feminist ethos and their bass-heavy funk-punk sound, Delta 5 were a new wave band hailing from Leeds, England. The group was formed in 1979 by Julz Sale (vocals/guitar), Ros Allen (bass), and Bethan Peters (bass). After becoming involved in the vibrant Leeds post-punk scene, the trio completed their lineup with Kelvin Knight on drums and Alan Riggs on guitar. They were also a part of the Rock Against Racism movement, along with peers Gang of Four and The Mekons. “Mind Your Own Business,” their first official single, was released in 1979 and set the blueprint for their trademark sound with a steady disco beat, a minimalist bass line , and angular guitar riffs. The frantic “You” followed suit in 1980, taking them on a successful tour throughout the US and landing them a deal with Pre, a subsidiary of Charisma Records. All the buzz that had been building around the band culminated with the release of See the Whirl (1981), their first full-length album. Even though it featured some solid singles, the LP’s heavy-handed production was not well received by neither critics nor fans, who considered it an aesthetic faux pas. Eroded by the album’s critical and commercial failure, the group disbanded after their second US tour.

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