The Numbers (band)


The Numbers were an Australian power pop band formed by siblings Annalisse and Chris Morrow in early 1978. They issued two studio albums, The Numbers, which peaked at No. 29 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart, and 39.51. The group disbanded in 1984, the Morrows formed another band, Maybe Dolls, in 1991.

History

The Numbers were formed early in 1978 in Sydney by Annalisse Morrow on bass guitar and lead vocals and her elder brother, Chris Morrow on lead guitar and lead vocals; they were joined by Marty Newcombe on drums. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, observed that they "emerged from the post-punk Sydney scene with a clean sound and a strong sense of direction. In spite of a regular touring schedule and a brace of accessible pop releases, the band never made the commercial breakthrough for which they so vigorously strived."
In January 1979 Newcombe was replaced on drums and percussion by Simon Vidale. The group supported the Australian leg of a tour by United Kingdom rockers, XTC. The Numbers released their debut three-track, extended play, Govt. Boy, on the Local Records label in September. All the tracks were written or co-written by Chris. McFarlane felt that it "featured three dazzling blasts of tough guitar pop reminiscent of The Jam or The Buzzcocks."
Late in 1979 the group signed with Deluxe Records, which issued their debut single, "The Modern Song", in the following March. The second single, "Five Letter Word", reached the Kent Music Report Singles Chart top 40. A third single, "Mr President" failed to chart. Their debut album, The Numbers, appeared in October 1980, which reached No. 29 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart. It was produced by Cameron Allan and was recorded at EMI Studios 301, Sydney in mid-year.

Members

Albums