http://www.blackboxrecorder.co.uk/

In the world of music, people often change and alter identities. Luke Haines is one of those shape-shifters. A founding member of the Auteurs, he's now the backbone of Black Box Recorder, with John Moore and Sarah Nixey.

Haines met up with Moore in 1995 when both were helping out a mutual friend. Moore was the replacement drummer in the Jesus and Mary Chain. They hit it off immediately and decided to record together. Nixey was backing vocalist for the mutual friend's group (you following this?). Haines and Moore liked her innocence against the darker material they were writing.

Black Box Recorder began as a one off project. By 1997, they had an album in the can and a deal with Chrysalis records. The debut, England Made Me, appeared in the U.K. in 1998. (Now available stateside on Jet Set Records.) It was a bleak outlook on Britain that received excellent reviews. Haines rejoined the Auteurs for one more record.

Throughout 1999, the trio put together a second BBR album. They parted ways with Chrysalis and joined the ranks of Nude Records. The Facts of Life does just what the title says: explains all those questions you've been afraid to ask during your stay here on earth.