Initially associated with the punk scene, the band rapidly evolved to create "a form of post-punk discord full of daring rhythmic and sonic experimentation". Their debut album "The Scream" was released in 1978 to widespread critical acclaim. In 1980, they changed their musical direction and became "almost a different band" with "Kaleidoscope", which peaked at number 5 in the UK Albums Chart. With "Juju" (1981) which also reached the top 10, they became an influence on the emerging gothic scene. In 1988, the band made a breakthrough in North America with the multifaceted album "Peepshow", which received critical praise. With substantial support from alternative rock radio stations, they achieved a mainstream hit in the US in 1991 with the single "Kiss Them for Me".