Biography
Leeds natives Delta 5 rose from the shadow of hometown acts the Mekons and Gang of Four to become central voices in the feminist new wave. The band took shape in 1979 when vocalist/guitarist Julz Sale, fretless bassist Ros Allen, and bassist Bethan Peters began jamming for fun; once guitarist Alan Riggs and drummer Kelvin Knight joined, the five-piece recorded its first single, “Mind Your Own Business,” and quickly moved to the center of the city’s post-punk scene.
Although often grouped with Gang of Four because of a comparable abrasive funk style, Delta 5 also stood at the front of the Rock Against Racism campaign, and Knight even filled in once for that band’s drummer Hugo Burnham. After right-wing assailants attacked members on the street, the group’s political visibility grew still further, helping spark the Rock Against Communism movement. Its distinctive two-bass lineup also distinguished the quintet from contemporaries, and the follow-up single “You” proved strong enough to carry the band on a well-received U.S. tour.
After departing Rough Trade for the Charisma imprint Pre, Delta 5 released its sole album, See the Whirl, in 1981. Even though several early single tracks appeared on the LP, heavy studio gloss marred much of the material, producing both critical and commercial disappointment; the band dissolved soon afterward. Its recordings stayed scarce until Kill Rock Stars assembled the Singles & Sessions collection in 2006. Founding member Julz Sale passed away on September 20, 2021.
Although often grouped with Gang of Four because of a comparable abrasive funk style, Delta 5 also stood at the front of the Rock Against Racism campaign, and Knight even filled in once for that band’s drummer Hugo Burnham. After right-wing assailants attacked members on the street, the group’s political visibility grew still further, helping spark the Rock Against Communism movement. Its distinctive two-bass lineup also distinguished the quintet from contemporaries, and the follow-up single “You” proved strong enough to carry the band on a well-received U.S. tour.
After departing Rough Trade for the Charisma imprint Pre, Delta 5 released its sole album, See the Whirl, in 1981. Even though several early single tracks appeared on the LP, heavy studio gloss marred much of the material, producing both critical and commercial disappointment; the band dissolved soon afterward. Its recordings stayed scarce until Kill Rock Stars assembled the Singles & Sessions collection in 2006. Founding member Julz Sale passed away on September 20, 2021.
Albums
