The band originally formed in the mid-1960s as The Bees, featuring Roy Ellis, Frank Pitter, Mick Thomas, and Monty Neysmith. They soon earned a reputation backing artists like Owen Gray, Nicky Thomas, The Ethiopians, and Laurel Aitken. Contractual constraints led to a series of name changes—from The Pyramids to Symarip, under the Doctor Bird label owned by Graeme Goodall. This era produced the classics Skinhead Moonstomp and Skinhead Girl, and the LP that defined a generation.
Fast forward to 2017: Secret Sounds and Roy Ellis decides to breathe fresh life into the album. With longtime friend Delroy Williams behind the mixing desk and members of Dekker’s old band in tow, the project was more homage than remake. Tracks like Phoenix City got a slight tempo boost, but the soul remained intact. An extra track was added: the 12″ version of the title song. Roy Ellis still roars with passion, and the band nails the vintage sound—making this one of the rare re-recordings that truly works. Even the cover art nods lovingly to its predecessor, complete with detailed sleeve notes and an interview with Ellis.