Sunkings, The

Early forward-thinking techno/IDM group, which started as a trio in 1990 by Jay Paine, Paul N. Davies and Michael Bluemink. After several releases on a self-financed label, they gained attention of 808 State, which resulted in the recording of the Return of the Killer Rays EP for 808's own Creed Records in 1991. Hugh Ashton replaced Michael Bluemink around that time, just before the trio signed to GPR. They also brought Taz Alexander into their studio, for female vocals. Taz later also joined Juno Reactor, after Ben Watkins heard her works for Sunkings. In 1994, Sunkings released their debut album Hall Of Heads and earned plaudits from Brian Eno and John Peel. After GPR went under, the group switched to the increasingly respected Blue Room Released label.