Exploding White Mice

This hard-hitting guitar band was formed in Adelaide, Australia, in early 1985, and featured Jeff Stephens (lead guitar), Paul Gilchrist (vocals) and Giles Barrow (rhythm guitar). Their style drew influences from the tough Detroit sound of the early Stooges with just a hint of Ramones -style ‘dumb fun’. In fact they took their name from the laboratory rodents that featured in the Ramones’ movie "Rock ‘N’ Roll High School". Their debut recording featured three originals and three cover versions, including ‘Pipeline’ and a burning version of Bo Diddley’s ‘Let The Kids Dance’, and indicated a young band with considerable talent. Exploding White Mice quickly developed a huge live reputation and their 1987 double a-sided single, John Kongos’ ‘He’s Gonna Step On You Again’, should have broken them to a wider audience. However, another version by the seasoned cover band Party Boys received more attention. Their first full-length album proved them to be one of the finest trash pop bands in the country. On 'Exploding White Mice' the band developed their pop sensibilities to the point where commercial acceptance became a distinct possibility. [SOURCE: ALLMUSIC]