Exit formed in 1977 in the South Humberside area of England. Originally a punk rock trio, like many of their contemporaries they burned brightly for a short period of time then fizzled out as the 70s came to a close. However, a 7” vinyl – East Coast Kids EP, now highly collectable – was released in 1979 under the name ‘The What’ to avoid conflict with two similarly named bands.
Fast forward three years and the original trio re-formed with a fourth member. The new wave style was retained and once again a highly acclaimed 7” single was released having been recorded at Joy Division’s favourite studio; Cargo in Rochdale, England (Planetoid Passion / Social Graces). A national distribution deal for the single was signed, but despite industry interest the band struggled to make an impact outside of their home patch.
By 1983 the musical landscape as well as band personnel was changing. Founding member and main songwriter Mick Taylor had departed, with Neil taking over principal songwriting duties. Influenced by the likes of Vince Clarke and New Order and armed with a Roland TR-606 drum machine and SH-09 synthesizer a new electro-pop sound was forged. Many demos were taped at home on primitive recorders or developed further in studios. Two tracks (The Bite Of Winter and No Respect) were recorded at Fairview Studios on the outskirts of Hull, where a fledgling local group The Housemartins also frequented. These tracks were released as another 7” vinyl single early in 1984, again to local acclaim but unable to break through onto the national scene.
Around this time promo videos were made to promote the bands songs, an innovative move for an unsigned band at the time who were only able to use budget equipment. Thereafter the band suffered with a succession of personnel changes and persevered until 1986, when it was time to call it a day.
Personnel (1983-84):
Neil Burniston – Keyboards
Dave Alucard – Bass
Barry Morrice – Vocals
Richard ‘Charlie’ Porter – Drums
Pete Shallcross – Guitar
