Formed as a splinter group from Adam and the Ants in 1978, they released singles during 1979-80 for Rough Trade, such as 'He's Frank', 'Eine Symphonie Des Graeuns', 'The Monochrome Set' and 'He's Frank (Slight Return)', all of which drew from varied influences.
Debut album, 'Strange Boutique' brought them to the verge of chart success (an occurrence that was often repeated but never expanded upon during their career), and a follow-up 'Love Zombies' followed the same year.
Line-up changes occurred before releasing a single 'The Mating Game', offering a satirical look at sex, in 1982. A memorable album 'Eligible Bachelors' came next on Cherry Red records, followed again by a change in the line-up. 'Volume, Brilliance, Contrast' was a compilation of Radio 1 sessions and their early Rough Trade recordings, which coincided with another independent hit, 'Jet Set Junta', detailing their often visited take on class division in UK society.
Next single 'Jacob's Ladder' again saw the band headed for the charts but not quite reaching them, as did the subsequent album 'The Lost Weekend'. Disheartened by their lack of progress, the band split, with various compilations appearing over the next few years thanks to their many ex-labels.
In 1989, the band reformed for 'Dante's Casino' but concentrated more on overseas tours, particularly in the Far East, where they had a loyal cult following.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE THE MONOCHROME SET: Bow Wow Wow, XTC, The Kinks, The Smiths, David Bowie.
http://www.algonet.se/~elegans/mono/m.html