M|A|R|R|S

M|A|R|R|S

M|A|R|R|S was a unique, one-off recording project formed in 1987. It brought together the talents of two distinct groups signed to the influential London-based label 4AD: the alternative/dream pop band A.R. Kane and the electro/reggae outfit Colourbox. The collaboration also featured input from DJs CJ Mackintosh and Dave Dorrell.

Formation and Creative Process

Instead of working as a cohesive unit, the two bands contributed individual tracks that were then passed to the other for further development. This approach resulted in two distinct pieces of music.

Key Releases

One of the completed tracks was "Anitina," originally an A.R. Kane song that featured drum programming by Steve Young of Colourbox. The other track, "Pump Up the Volume," was a dynamic Martyn Young composition built significantly from samples, including a guitar riff from A.R. Kane.

"Pump Up the Volume" - A Landmark Single

The sole release under the M|A|R|R|S moniker was the single "Pump Up the Volume / Anitina." The A-side, "Pump Up the Volume," became a number-one hit in the United Kingdom and is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the evolution of British house music and sampling culture. It is noted as the first UK number-one single to incorporate samples from other recordings. The single's success also helped introduce Israeli singer Ofra Haza to a global audience through her interpretations of traditional Yemeni songs, as a vocal element from her work was sampled.

Legal Challenges and Revisions

M|A|R|R|S faced legal action from Stock Aitken Waterman for the unauthorized use of a seven-second vocal sample from their track "Roadblock" in early pressings of "Pump Up the Volume." By the time the single was released in the US in late 1987, this sample, along with other elements of questionable origin, had been removed or replaced. The original British version remains highly regarded by fans and collectors.

Chart Performance and Legacy

While "Pump Up the Volume" achieved significant chart success, reaching number one in the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, and charting in the top ten in several other countries, "Anitina" had a more modest impact. It appeared on the UK charts after several weeks, with a notation indicating its inclusion was at the record company's request and lacked substantial consumer interest.

"Pump Up the Volume" was nominated for the 1989 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance. In September 1987, M|A|R|R|S announced that there would be no follow-up release.

Group member Steven Young passed away on July 13, 2016.