The Sea Urchins
| Company type | Indie pop band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Headquarters | West Bromwich , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Sea Urchins were an indie pop ensemble originating from West Bromwich, England, established in 1986. Notably, they were the inaugural artists to release a single through Sarah Records.
History
The founding members consisted of James Roberts (vocals), Simon Woodcock (guitar), Robert Cooksey (guitar), Mark Bevin (bass), Bridget Duffy (tambourine, organ), and Patrick Roberts (drums). Their initial two outputs, issued in 1987, were flexi discs distributed alongside fanzines. Following this period, Darren Martin took over bass duties from Bevin. The band's track "Pristine Christine" marked the first single released by Sarah Records and has since become a prized item among vinyl enthusiasts. In 1988, they unveiled a double-A-side single featuring "Solace" and "Please Rain Fall," which demonstrated stronger mod-rock elements. Despite both singles performing well within the indie scene, Sarah Records was reluctant to back a full-length album, prompting the exit of Duffy and Martin. Woodcock transitioned to bass guitar while James Roberts expanded his role to include guitar. After releasing "A Morning Oddyssey" in 1990 under Sarah Records, internal creative disagreements led the group to sign with Cheree Records, who released "Please Don't Cry" in 1991. The band dissolved during the summer of that year. Post-breakup, Sarah Records compiled Stardust in 1992, featuring early flexi-disc recordings, and Fierce Recordings issued a live album in 1994.
Following the dissolution, James Roberts, Cooksey, and Woodcock formed the band Delta. Additionally, Roberts, Patrick Roberts, and Cooksey collaborated to create The Low Scene.
Members
- James Roberts (born 4 March 1968) – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
- Robert Cooksey (born 14 November 1969) – lead guitar
- Simon Woodcock (born 2 December 1969) – rhythm guitar, bass guitar
- Bridget Duffy (born 28 June 1970) – vocals, organ, tambourine (1986–1989)
- Patrick Roberts – drums
- Mark Bevin (born 21 January 1970) – bass guitar (1986–1987)
- Darren Martin – bass guitar (1987–1989)
Albums
- Stardust (1992), Sarah Records
- Live in London (1994), Fierce Recordings
Singles
- "Pristine Christine" (1987), Sarah Records (UK Indie Chart No. 11)
- "Please Rain Fall"/"Solace" (1988), Sarah Records (UK Indie Chart No. 4)
- Recorded 30.10.88 (1988), Fierce Recordings
- "A Morning Odyssey" (1990), Sarah Records
- "Please Don't Cry" (1991), Cheree Records
Compilation appearances
- "Cling Film" featured on The Kvatch flexi (1987), Kvatch
- "Summershine" included on Sha-La-La Flexi 5 (1987), Sha La La
- "Pristine Christine" appeared on There And Back Again Lane (1995), Sarah Records
- "Pristine Christine" featured on Rough Trade Shops Indiepop 1 (2004), Rough Trade
- "Pristine Christine" included on CD86 (2006), Sanctuary