Ned's Atomic Dustbin

Ned's Atomic Dustbin formed in Stourbridge in 1987, part of the same West Midlands scene that produced Pop Will Eat Itself and The Wonder Stuff. The band's most distinctive feature was their use of two bass guitars — Rat and Alex providing a low-end foundation that gave their sound an unusual density and power. Jonn Penney's vocals were melodic and urgent, and the songs were short, sharp, and full of energy.

'God Fodder' (1991) was the breakthrough — 'Kill Your Television', 'Grey Cell Green', and 'Happy' were all strong singles. The album reached number four and established Ned's as one of the most exciting British alternative bands of the year. They toured extensively in the UK and US, building a fanbase on both sides of the Atlantic.

'Are You Normal?' (1992) and 'Brainbloodvolume' (1995) maintained the quality, though the commercial momentum slowed as the alternative rock landscape changed. The band split in 1995 but reformed in 2011 and have continued to tour. Their early records have aged well — the twin-bass sound remains as distinctive as ever.