The Cravats

Originating in Redditch, Worcestershire, the Cravats first surfaced with their off-kilter rock sound via the October 1978 single “Gordon,” issued jointly on Small Wonder Records and the group’s own imprint. The lineup featured Shend—born Chris Harz, handling vocals and bass—alongside Robin Dallaway on guitar and vocals, Dave Bennett on drums, and Richard London on saxophone. Once signed exclusively to Small Wonder, they issued a run of singles that began with the 1979 EP Burning Bridges. Roughly twelve months afterward came the 1980 single “Precinct,” released in tandem with the band’s sole long-player, The Cravats In Toytown. Two further 45s, “You’re Driving Me” and “Off The Beach,” appeared in 1981 before the group shifted to Glass Records for the standalone 1982 single “Terminus.” Only “Rub Me Out,” issued on the Crass label, registered on the UK Independent chart. A later compilation EP titled The Cravats Sing Terminus And Other Hits preceded an extended hiatus. Three years afterward the Reflex label offered one final release, the EP In The Land Of The Giants, after which the Cravats transformed into the Very Things. Shend subsequently turned to acting, logging occasional television roles that included a stint on the BBC soap opera EastEnders.