The Cleves

Based in Sydney, Australia, the Cleves made an average self-titled album in the early 1970s that was in line with hard rock-progressive rock trends of the day. Originally forming in New Zealand as the Clevedonaires in the mid-'60s, the Cleves were based around three siblings: Gaye Brown (vocals and organ), Ron Brown (guitar), and Graham Brown (guitar). Bassist Milton Lane filled out the lineup, which also made a couple of more pop-oriented singles in 1969 and 1970. They also did an EP, Music From Michael, consisting of a sixteen-minute, ten-part suite, taken from the soundtrack to the film of the same name. After some personnel changes (including the addition of one-time Bee Gees member Vince Melouney on guitar), they moved to the U.S. in late 1971 (minus Melouney) and changed their name to Bitch, issuing three singles on Warner Brothers. ~ Richie Unterberger