Formed by ex-Fall guitarist Martin Bramah in 1979, Blue Orchids enjoyed some indie success mostly thanks to John Peel's relentless support. Comprised mostly of Peel sessions, From Severe To Serene has dated incredibly well. In kinder times, the grimy Dickensian pop of Work and laconically catchy Bad Education would surely have troubled the charts. Bramah returned in 1993 with a bigger production, but no amount of literate power-pop could match The Sleeper with a label willing to release it. Another decade later, it's surely time for one of post punk's most underrated songwriters to get the credit he deserves.

Peter Paphides

Q Magazine