User:Sensitize

Sensitize

Born out of Workington, in West Cumbria, Sensitize were signed to Food EMI Records in December 1990. All members of the band were born and raised in Workington, went to the same school and are all the same age. Before getting signed, the band were called Loan Sharks & Pop City Maniacs. Band member's were Mark Armstrong (Vocals & Guitar); James Doran (Drums); Bob Needham (Bass) & Paul O'Neil (Guitar). The band, with no name, moved to London in Feb 1991 where they played several gigs under various names, Satilite & Sensurround, before their agent came up with the name Sensitize. Dave Balfe was the first to try his hand at producing Sensitize with a dance version of 'Ride' at the Round House Studios. Sensitize toured with Blur on their first UK tour. The first single, Maniac, was recorded at Surrey Sounds studios by George Shilling. The artwork was controversial; showing the faces of serial killers in a Warhol style. Maniac reached No. 79 in the UK charts in the summer of 1991 with a tour of the UK supporting CUD. The video for Maniac, shot in Kew steam museum, was shown on BBC Saturday morning show 'Going Live'. The band secured the services of the Wonderstuff's manager, Dave Aldridge, and the second single, Falling Through, was released at the back end of 1991. Although not as successful as Maniac, the band toured the UK again with Kingmaker. 1991 seen Sensitize play the NME tent at the Reading Festival & the Food Xmas Party at Brixton Academy. An album was recorded with Jessica Corkran at Green House studios, but it was never released. Food EMI & Sensitize parted company in July 1992. At the same time Polygram Publishing withdrew their support. Paul O'Neil decided not to play on, while the other three members formed 'American Tan' for a short time before all band members decided to call it a day at the grand old age of 23.