The Monochrome Set

When the British art-school punk band the B-Sides changed their name and direction to become Adam & The Ants, guitarist/vocalist Bid and guitarist Lester Square opted out to form their own group, The Monochrome Set. Founded in London in 1978, the band (also comprised of ex-Gloria Mundi and Mean Street bassist Jeremy Harrington and former Art Attacks drummer J.d. Crowe) was quickly snapped up by the Rough Trade label, and during 1979 issued three singles -- "He's Frank," "Eine Symphonie des Grauens," and their signature number, "Monochrome Set" -- all completely different in content and stylistic approach.



After former B-Sides bassist Andy Warren grew tired of life in Adam & The Ants, he rejoined bandmates Bid and Square, replacing Harrington. In 1980 The Monochrome Set released their debut album, the cabaret-flavored Strange Boutique, followed later that year by the singles "405 Lines" and "Apocalypso" as well as another, more accessible full-length effort, Love Zombies. Complete with new guitarist Foz, keyboardist Caroline Booth, and drummer Nick Wesolowski, they returned in 1982 with a cleaner, more melodic sound on the LP Eligible Bachelors; "The Jet Set Junta," a satiric jab at the Falklands Islands conflict, became a significant hit the next year.

Read More