One of a batch of groups forming the so-called "industrial" scene of Sheffield in the early 80s, Clock DVA's first release was, appropriately, on Throbbing Gristle's Industrial label. The cassette-only (until its re-release in 1990) White Souls In Black Suits featured Adi Newton (vocals, ex-the Studs; the Future; Veer), Stephen James "Judd" Turner (bass, vocals, guitar, ex-Block Opposite), David J. Hammond (guitar), Roger Quail (drums) and Charlie Collins (saxophone). However, there had already been three previous line-ups, including synthesizer players Joseph Hurst and Simon Mark Elliot-Kemp. In 1981, the band (with new guitarist Paul Widger) offered Thirst, available through independent label Fetish. With the ground for such "difficult music" having been prepared by Throbbing Gristle, the press reaction was remarkably favorable. Nevertheless, the band disintegrated at the end of the year, and tragedy struck with the death of co-founder Turner. Newton kept the name while the three other surviving members joined the Box. By 1983, replacements had been found in John Valentine Carruthers (guitar), Paul Browse (saxophone), Dean Dennis (bass) and Nick Sanderson (drums). A brace of singles prefaced Advantage, their first album for Polydor Records. The following year Carruthers and Sanderson departed, and Clock DVA continued as a trio. Though it would be five years before a follow-up, Newton was kept busy with his visual project Anti Group, The (TAGC), and several singles. Buried Dreams finally arrived in 1989. By the time of 1991's Transitional Voices, Browse had been replaced by Robert E. Baker, of TAGC. The departure of Dennis left the remaining duo of Newton and Baker to record a selection of material for the Contempo label in the middle of the decade.