Then Jerico: The Ambitious Sound of British New Wave

Then Jerico was a British new wave and rock band that rose to prominence in the late 1980s with a polished, dramatic sound. Hailing from London, the group achieved its greatest commercial success with the 1989 album Big Area, which reached the UK Top 10 and spawned several hit singles.

Early career

Then Jerico formed in London in 1983, founded by vocalist Mark Shaw and guitarist Jasper Stainthorpe. The band honed its craft on the London club circuit, developing a sophisticated rock style that caught the attention of London Records, which signed them in 1985.

Their debut album, First (The Sound of Music), was released in 1987. It introduced their anthemic, saxophone-tinged sound and produced the minor hit The Motive, which charted at number 54 in the UK.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 1989 with their second album, Big Area. Released again on London Records, the album peaked at number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and was certified Gold for sales exceeding 100,000 copies.

This success was driven by a more muscular, radio-friendly production and a series of memorable singles that received heavy rotation on music television and radio.

Key tracks

The Motive — This debut single from 1987 established the band's signature blend of driving rock and melodic saxophone.

Big Area — The ambitious title track from their breakthrough album became a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.

What Does It Take — This single became Then Jerico's biggest hit, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart in 1989.

Sugar Box — Another key single from the Big Area album, showcasing Shaw's powerful vocal delivery and the band's tight musicianship.

Later career and developments

Following the success of Big Area, internal tensions and shifting musical trends led to a hiatus. Mark Shaw pursued a solo career, releasing the album Almost in 1994.

The original lineup briefly reunited in the early 2000s for live shows, and a new version of the band, led by Shaw, continues to perform. Their influence endures within the canon of late-80s British rock, remembered for its cinematic scale and Shaw's commanding stage presence.

Fans of Then Jerico's brand of anthemic, saxophone-driven rock often appreciate the work of similar UK artists. The Communards shared a flair for dramatic, dance-oriented pop. The Blow Monkeys also expertly blended soulful rock with sharp social commentary. Big Country offered a similarly grand, guitar-driven soundscape. Spear Of Destiny delivered the same kind of intense, post-punk inspired anthems.

Then Jerico's music maintains a steady presence on radio stations that specialize in 80s revival and classic alternative rock formats. Their hits are regularly featured on classic rock FM stations and dedicated online rock radio streams that celebrate the era's distinctive sound.

Listeners can discover the powerful anthems of Then Jerico by tuning into the classic rock and new wave stations featured right here on onairium.com, where their defining tracks remain in regular rotation.