Liverpool's The Room were formed in 1979 and adhered very much to a grim post punk template from the outset. Revolving around the core duo of singer/songwriter Dave Jackson and bassist Becky Stringer their early material failed to make much headway; looking back it's easy to see why with their songs characterised by Jackson's unremarkable wallowing, tinny production and a fear of melody. Having said that 'In Sickness And In Health' and 'Bated Breath' twitch with a memorable edginess. Gradually their sound opened up to reveal a lightness of touch reaching a peak with their 1984 album 'In Evil Hour'. Around this time they came into their own; 'Whirpool' pre-dates Terry Bickers' work with The House Of Love with its swirling guitar patterns, 'Jackpot Jack' is a satirical and brilliant slice of indie pop whilst 'Never', 'One Hundred Years' and 'Crying Red' inhabit a happy medium between Lloyd Cole's doleful rock and the enduring melancholic pop of The Wake. Sadly - as is often the case - the band split at the peak of its powers. Yet at least this compilation gives a pleasing tribute to a band improving in songwriting and production as their career progressed.