by Kelvin HayesDuring the early '80s, the American charts were subjected to what was known as the British invasion. Bands such as Duran Duran and Culture Club seemed to dominate. From this a new breed of US new wave act emerged among others: the Motels, Cyndi Lauper, 'Til Tuesday and Cock Robin. Led by singer/songwriter Peter Kingsbery, who also played bass and keyboards, the band were complimented by singer Anna Lacazio, guitarist Clive Wright and drummer Louis Molino III. Like their contemporaries, Cock Robin matured fast, releasing only three albums. On their first album sleeve, the four members look to imitate the mix of romantacist art rock of Roxy Music and disco funk of Chic, that Duran had not so long before them. Lacazio looks like the proverbial high-school prom queen, however by the time of their final record in 1989, she had transformed into the sophisticated woman found on glossy fashion magazines. Their first self titled album (CBS, 1985) produced by Steve Hillage, was the most basic outing. Tracks like the opening 'Thought You Were On My Side' ooze all the charm of a band in the studio together for the first time. The sparkling single 'The Promise You Made' became an instant hit in Europe - where they were to become huge - and gave them their only British hit no.28 in May '86, though it did hang around for 12 weeks. Unbelievably, they fared little better at home - only no.35 with "When Your Heart is Weak." From this point on Cock Robin were essentially the duo of Kingsbery and Lacazio. (Mysteriously, Wright appears on every succeeding album sans First Love... as a session player!) Opening their second album, After Here, Through Midland was its precursing single "Just Around the Corner," which again did nothing other than in Europe where a steady fan base had built up, especially in France. A grittier sound was evident, a hallmark of producer Don Gehman (reknowned for his work with Jonh Mellencamp). Third, final and most impressive of Cock Robin's albums was 1989's First Love/Last Rites, this time mastered by veteran producer Rhett Davies (Roxy, Eno, Icehouse). Guest musicians included drummer Pat Mastelotto (Mr. Mister, The Rembrandts and later XTC and King Crimson!) and the Mariachi Horns who helped authenticate Latin pop/rock blend as featured on the gorgeous closing single "Worlds Apart." Once again, sense of space was a promenant feature of the album sleeve, which also boasted a poem by US underground writer Charles Bukowski. One more single, "It's Only Make Believe," graced a greatest hits package - a final farewell from a band that deserved more attention. The Best of.. also included a live performance of the Bob Dylan song "Don't Think Twice, It's Alright." In their wake, Kingsbery has gone on to produce 3 fine albums, vastly different to his previous work. In 1992, he contributed to Tim Rice's adaptation of the stageplay Tycoon, guesting alonside Cyndi Lauper, Nina Hagen, Celine Dion and Tom Jones to name a few. His outstanding vocal on "Only the Very Best," showed just what an underrated performer he is. A shame that as yet, his classy excursions have gone unnoticed, other than by the French, who have known just how good, both with Cock Robin and solo, a singer/songwriter Kingsbery has been all along.