Curve

Curve formed in London in 1990, Toni Halliday and Dean Garcia developing a sound that was heavier and more industrial-influenced than most of their shoegaze contemporaries. Halliday's vocals — powerful, sensual, and capable of extraordinary range — were the defining element, and Garcia's production gave the music a density and darkness that set them apart from the dreamier end of the scene.

'Doppelgänger' (1992) was the debut album — 'Horror Head', 'Fait Accompli', and 'Coast Is Clear' were all excellent singles. The album showed a band capable of creating music of genuine intensity and beauty. 'Cuckoo' (1993) was even more ambitious — a record that pushed the industrial influences further while maintaining the melodic core.

Curve went on hiatus in 1994 and reformed in 1997, releasing 'Come Clean' (1998) and 'Gift' (2001) before splitting again. Halliday and Garcia have collaborated periodically since. Their influence on subsequent generations of dark, electronic-influenced rock bands has been considerable — Curve were ahead of their time in ways that are only now being fully appreciated.