Spitfire

Formed in 1990, the UK guitar-pop outfit emerged in the wake of My Bloody Valentine and advanced swiftly through the scene. Its lineup featured Jeff Pitcher on vocals, his younger brother Nick on bass, Simon Walker and Matt Wise on guitars, and Justin Welch behind the drums. Founding drummer Scott Kenny opted instead to concentrate on his other project Ever, while guitarist Steve White departed due to an unwillingness to commit to touring. The group entered the spotlight via the early EPs Translucent and Superbaby. Their initial release contained a bold interpretation of the Six Million Dollar Man theme, and Steve Mack of That Petrol Emotion handled production duties on “Superbaby.” A support slot with Blur elevated their profile nationwide, yet the real stir came from the notorious “Back Stage” passes. Created tongue-in-cheek to accommodate groupies, the passes prompted the press to brand the band misogynists nonetheless. Their first proper album did not surface until 1993, though it retained the characteristic bravado in the title track and in “Firebird,” the latter augmented by an unexpected flute part. The ensemble should not be mistaken for the American metal five-piece that shares its name.