Formed in december 1981 as a two piece consisting of Alan Rider & Phil Clarke, Stress evolved at their own pace, by early 1984 they had already released two high quality cassette albums (except for artwork), and had being featured on numerous cassette compilations.
October 1984, saw the first vinyl statement by Stress, the first of many, namely the track 'The Prayer Clock' on the 'Life At The Top' compilation LP. More compilation LP appearances followed, 'Compulsory Overtime' (USA), and 'A Touch Of Class' (UK) to name but two. June/July 1985 saw the release of the first lp by 'Stress', a 6 track mini LP entitled 'The Big Wheel' on 'Adventures In Reality' recordings (ARR 014). In their music, Stress combine electronic rythms, sequences, keyboards with bass guitar, vocals, percussion, cut - up tapes, and a variety of acoustic instruments to provide a sound that fuses commercial & experimental elements with a pointed lyrical edge. Being a two piece, Stress had found that the freedom to use whatever instruments neccessary for a particular sound means that they need never limit themselves to a particular format. Unfortunately by 1991 after the bands final release 'Nostalgia' [a best of cassette album], they ceased to continue with their music, but luckily we still have their music that they left behind for all to enjoy.