The Sweetest Ache started life in Swansea in the late 80s as The Spirals, initially fronted by guitarist, Stuart Vincent. Upon joining the band, Sweetest Ache vocalist, Simon Court, took over as frontman. The Spirals changed their name to The Sweetest Ache, perhaps because Manchester band, Inspiral Carpets had risen from indie obscurity to become unlikely regulars on Top Of The Pops. In fact, singer, Simon Court claimed in an interview in a local newspaper that he was a former member of said band. ...show more

The Sweetest Ache started life in Swansea in the late 80s as The Spirals, initially fronted by guitarist, Stuart Vincent. Upon joining the band, Sweetest Ache vocalist, Simon Court, took over as frontman. The Spirals changed their name to The Sweetest Ache, perhaps because Manchester band, Inspiral Carpets had risen from indie obscurity to become unlikely regulars on Top Of The Pops. In fact, singer, Simon Court claimed in an interview in a local newspaper that he was a former member of said band.

Whether that was an untrue brag, or a mix up by the paper itself is not known. After selling a demo tape at gigs around Swansea, the band signed to Sarah Records. The second single was released on the same day as the debut. After a third single, Simon Court split from the band under unknown circumstances.

A female vocalist, Louise, replaced him. Her tenure in the band was brief, as she was due to go away to university that year. Louise only recorded one track with the band ("Briaris" from the debut album, named after Stuart's then flatmate). Simon was quickly reinstated and sang vocals on the remainder of the album. ...show less