Shriekback is a rock band formed in the early 1980s by Barry Andrews, formerly of XTC and League of Gentlemen (keyboards/synthesizers/vocals), Carl Marsh (guitars/vocals), and Dave Allen, formerly of the Gang of Four (bass). They were joined by Martyn Barker on drums in 1983. Other members included: Linda Nevill, Emma Burnham, Brian Nevill, Pedro Ortiz, Claire Hirst, Lu Edmunds, Wendy & Sara Partridge, Steve Halliwell, Even Moon, Ivan Julian, Mike Cozzi, and Jessica Palin/Jose Fina Cupido.
Shriekback was originally an artistic trio of Barry Andrews, Carl Marsh, and Dave Allen. They enjoyed some success on the dance chart on their original Y Records label, but left for the big time on Arista Records for 1984's Jam Science. Finding little success, the single, "Hand on my Heart" charted in the top 60 in the UK, they switched to Island Records for the next year's breakout, Oil & Gold. This album signaled a shift for the band, with Carl Marsh leaving the band and rockers Martyn Barker and Lu Edmonds joining what was now Andrews' vehicle. Indeed, Allen left the band after the follow-up, Big Night Music, and Shriekback remained a collaborative around Andrews.
