Since their inception in Glasgow, Scotland, during 1990, this alternative rock band has included members Paul Campion (vocals/guitar) and Caz Riley (bass). Originally more of an experimental band (early on, both saxophone and violin were heard in their songs, in addition to second guitarist Roger Ward), a.c. acoustics (they prefer the lower case) split up before issuing any recordings, before re-forming shortly thereafter with Dave Gormley on drums, and releasing the five-track Wrist Eye demo during the summer of 1992 (which featured an appearance from Teenage Fanclub member Gerard Love as a backing singer). The demo showed that the band’s sound had become more focused and solidified than their earlier work, which led to a recording contract with the independent label Elemental Records, and opening gigs for both PJ Harvey and the Jesus Lizard. A year after a debut single was issued (1993’s ‘Sweatlodge’), the band’s mini-album, Able Treasury, was released. From 1995 through 1997, the quartet averaged an EP per year, during which time Mark Raine replaced Ward on guitar. Victory Parts was released in 1998, and led to shows with the Stereophonics, Embrace, and Placebo. Despite accolades in the press and among their peers, a.c. acoustics left Elemental and signed with Yoyo Records. The band issued two EPs the same year, Like Ribbons and She’s With Stars. Another change of label to Cooking Vinyl Records took place in 2000, as well as two new releases, the EP Crush (that featured vocal contributions from Placebo’s Brian Molko) and their majestic albums, Understanding Music and O. Much of the latter evoked the Byrds meeting Joy Division, with chiming guitars over a pulsating drumbeat. A hugely underrated unit.