ALARM! (GB)

About

Also known as: Alarm, Mike Peters & the Alarm, The Alarm MMIV

Few bands captured the raw, acoustic driven energy of 1980s new wave quite like The Alarm. Formed in Rhyl, Wales, they built their sound around three acoustic guitars before plugging in, and that contrast became their signature live move. Opening for U2 on the War Tour in 1983 helped plant them firmly on the American radar, while back home "Sixty Eight Guns" climbed to number 17 on the UK Singles Chart and their album Declaration peaked at number six. The band carried strong Welsh cultural influences and a punk spirit inherited from their earlier incarnations, including a stint as a covers band playing the Who note for note. Karl Wallinger, who later fronted World Party, was an early member on keyboards. Over the years the band went through various name changes and lineup shifts before settling as The Alarm under lead vocalist Mike Peters, who remained the constant driving force. Their back catalogue has seen a series of remasters in recent years, keeping classics like "Strength" and "Where Were You Hiding? (When the Storm Broke)" sounding sharp for new listeners.