The metamorphosis all began in Hinckley, Leicestershire, April 1988 as Chil-Factor was formed with female vocalist - Carol Butlin, Steve Foxon - guitar, Stef Hewitt - guitar, Andy Shirley - bass & keys, Lewis Vaughan - drums. Playing mostly covers at venues in & around Leicestershire.

12 months later Steve, Andy, Lewis & vocalist Eddie, formed original Indie band "Demorcratic Circus' writing their own material. At their first gig, 'Leicester Princess Charlotte', they were billed incorrectly, as 'Definite Circles'. The band wrote a large amount of quality songs, unfortunatly, only rough rehearsal tapes remain.

6 months later Eddie left, many auditions ensued! The Band finally recruited another male vocalist & another direction-change took place. Now calling themselves 'The Lenches' (after a Cotswold village) & realising they sounded not disimilar to the 'Stone Roses' or many similar Manchester bands of that time, Andy ,Steve & Lewis sacked the vocalist and formed 'Space Rats' late on in 1990" Steve & Andy shared the vocals & lyric writing between them. The Band created a more popular 'High Energy' feel than their previous bands.

Space Rats released two demos in 91, a total of 8 songs & have also recorded for a 'Gypsy Records Compilation'.
THE PURPLE NASTY SESSION '91 (recorded early 1991)
ESSENTIAL VIEWING EP (recorded October 1991)
CHARITY COMPILATION (Various Artists) (Gypsy Records 1992)

The Band wrote all their own material as a joint venture. Lyrics being written by Steve or Andy. Songs are mostly about observations & experiences the band encountered during the early 90's.

The band toured the UK playing many gigs & venus during 1991 & 1992.
Being welcomed by the 'Goths' they Supported Goth Rock bands 'Every New Dead Ghost', 'Nosferatu', 'Litany of Fear' & went down a storm with the Goths at the '100 Club'.

Home