Ultramarine (band) - Biography

Biography

Hammond and Cooper first worked together in the band A Primary Industry during the mid-1980s. Following the split of this band, they formed Ultramarine and released transitional album Folk in April 1990. The duo's second long player, Every Man and Woman is a Star (1991) found critical acclaim, and Ultramarine was frequently seen at festivals such as Megadog and Glastonbury during the early to mid 1990s. A large part of the interest generated was due to the eclectic mix of samples and influences, evident on Every Man and Woman, which was dedicated to Dewey Bunnell of the band America. Ultramarine were one of the only acts that was signed to Sire Records in the U.S. through Giant Records instead of sister labels Warner Bros. or Reprise.

Their subsequent albums did not achieve the same commercial success of Every Man and Woman is a Star. These included United Kingdoms (August 1993), featuring Robert Wyatt, and Bel Air (August 1995). They also released the single "Hymn", with vocals by David McAlmont, in 1996. Their last album was 1998’s A User’s Guide. A remix album of Every Man and Woman is a Star, entitled Companion, was issued in May 2003 and collected various early, alternative, unreleased or live versions from 1990 to 1993. It was an extended version of the previously available Nightfall in Sweetleaf. Remixes of tracks were by various artists including Spooky, Sweet Exorcist and Coco Steel. Ultramarine regrouped in 2010, playing live shows before releasing two new singles in 2011.