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**Bio: The Combine** The Combine was formed in late 1984 by Chris Philpott and John Wratten after the split of Small World. Their first recruit was Rob Harrington, also known as Spike, who was previously the singer/guitarist of the punk band The Partisans. One of The Partisans’ notable tracks, "Anger & Fear," became a favorite in The Combine's live set. Tim Sharpe was later added to the lineup as the drummer, marking his debut in a band, having been a follower of Small World. The Combine's existence lasted about 18 months, during which they recorded their first song, “Dreams Come True,” which was featured on the famous Countdown compilation in 1985. Their sound and style were reminiscent of Small World, and they wrote an album's worth of songs, including “Seventeen,” “Astral Flight,” “Fight to Survive,” and “Hooked.” However, many of these songs were never recorded despite extensive gigging throughout 1985 and early 1986, starting with their debut at The Westcliffe Hotel in Clacton in March 1985. The band disbanded in mid-1986, although John, Chris, and Tim continued to collaborate briefly, recording two more tracks at Rick Buckler’s Arkentide Studios in London.

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