In preparation to enter Fibbers’ Battle of the Bands competition in September 1993, the band decided to tighten up the set and record a demo, and in July of that year “Quark” was released. The band actually made the final of Battle of the Bands - much to everyone's amazement (not least the band).

The new year began with a gig at The Spotted Cow, on December 31st/January 1st, again setting the pace for a hectic year to come. In March a live video was made at The Bonding Warehouse, York. This was immediately followed by a second tape “Liquid” released in early April. By now another seven original numbers had been added to the set, including “The Ten”, which didn’t actually make it on to “Liquid”.

In June 1994 the band opened for Rolf Harris at the York Barbican Centre playing to over 600 people. In September Tony left York to spend a year at the guitar institute in London, during the last few rehearsals another four numbers were born out of extended jam sessions. The final gig for this line-up was December 1994 at Fibbers, York.

Then in February 1995 a clash between the drummer, the newly recruited singer (Milla) and the owners of Fibbers brought about the end of the original line-up. The following 18 months saw three drummers - Simon Woolf, Steve Shaw and Morse; The addition of a singer - Marcia Rankin and the departure of John. After another Fibbers Battle of the Bands in March 1996, the band changed its name to “The Red Lemon Band” which finally folded in August.

The CD is compiled from the original master tape of both the “Quark” and “Liquid” sessions, digitally remastered by Rich Hind (With Hindsight). It features all the original music plus “The Ten” which didn’t make it on to “Liquid” due to timing!

QUARK - June 2002