Memorably higher-octane than Bob Moulds Sugar and as intensely affecting as early Stiff Little Fingers, Leatherface formed in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear in the late '80s. Taking their name from the central masked character in cult classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, they remained relatively unknown within their own town, let alone country; it took several albums for the UK press to recognise that Leatherface were far more than just a good old-fashioned punk rock band and more than worthy of comparison with more illustrious counter-parts in America, where a body of supporters had been singing the band's praises since the 1992 release ofMush. They were poised for a massive break-through, when singer Frankie seemed to decide that he didnt want it anymore. A crying shame, because Leatherface really did make you believe that punk could still matter - that it could be impassioned, intelligent and emotive without just re-treading the boards.