Asphalt Ribbons

Asphalt Ribbons were a UK band that formed in 1988. They were the pre-Tindersticks, featuring vocalist Stuart Staples, David Boulter, Dickon Hinchliffe, Neil Fraser and Al Macaulay.
They released a few singles and EPs :
1989. The Orchard - EP (Vinyl) 1990. Over Again - promo single (Vinyl) 1990. Good Love - EP (Vinyl) 1990. Tiger Lily - A Sampler - flexi disc (Vinyl) 1991. Passion, Coolness, Indifference ... EP (Vinyl) 1991. Old Horse - mini-LP (Vinyl and CD)
Band-Line-Up over the time:
early-time E.P.s ("The Orchard", 1988-1989): Stuart Staples (vocals, guitar) Gaynor Backhouse (cello) Garry Watt (Bass, +) Rob Howard (accordion & guitar )
mid-time E.P.s ("Good Love", 1989-1990) Stuart Staples (vocals) Dave Boulter (organ & accordion) Gaynor Backhouse (cello) Craig Chettle (guitar) Will Carles (percussion & drums) Garry A Watt (bass, +)
final end line-up ("passion, ..." and "old horse" 1990-1991): Stuart Staples (vocals) Dave Boulter (organ & accordion) Neil Fraser (guitar) Dickon Hinchliffe (Guitar & strings) Al Macaulay (percussion & drums) John Thompson (bass)
note: Mark Colwill replaced in the last days John Thomson before AR became Tindersticks. Mark was recruited when John left but it is not sure if he played any gigs under the Asphalt Ribbons name. They then changed their name to Tindersticks after Stuart discovered a box of German matches on a Greek beach.
Their sound is more country-ish than Tindersticks, but already features the distinctive vocals of Stuart Staples.