mixing rock guitars, techno and hip-hop rhythms

By mid-1987, frontman Colin Angus was discovering the sounds of early house music pioneers, such as S-Express and M/A/R/R/S , and increasing his knowledge of the latest studio equipment. By September 1987, the Shamen were applying these techniques to their own music, mixing rock guitars, techno and hip-hop rhythms and sampled radio voices, which was to prove influential to groups like Jesus Jones and EMF . Their single “Christopher Mayhew Says”, released in late 1987, was their first to experiment with beat machines and samples, fused with their psychedelic rock sound. However, the newfound sound proved too radical for co-founder and vocalist Derek McKenzie, who left the band in late 1987 to study at university. Glaswegian Will Sinnott (23 December 1960 – 23 May 1991), aka Will Sin, joined the group in October 1987, on bass and keyboards, freeing up Angus to handle vocals and guitar. Sinnott’s musical background was an extensive one. He had already made an impression as part of the Can / SAHB influenced improvisation troupe Edith and the Ladies, and his father, a master wood craftsman, had made guitars for the Incredible String Band and John Martyn .