Previously known as Hott Waxx, British funk pioneers Hi-Tension changed their name in 1976 before releasing their debut, self-titled album. Fronted by lead vocalist and keyboardist David Joseph, the album was recorded and produced by Kofi Ayivor and Alex Sadkin at Island Studios, London in 1978. The remainder of the band was composed of brothers Paul and Patrick McLean (lead guitar and saxophone), brothers Ken and David Joseph (keyboards and bass guitar), Leroy Williams (congas), Jeffrey Guishard (percussion), Paul Phillips (rhythm guitar/vocals), and David Reid on drums. Considered pioneers of the Britfunk style of the late 1970s, Hi-Tension’s sole album release reached Number 54 on the UK Albums Chart while single "British Hustle" was a Top 10 hit and saw them performing on BBC’s Top of the Pops. After David Joseph began a solo career in the early 1980s, former members Ken Joseph, Leroy Williams, and Jeffrey Guishard recorded and released the singles "Rat Race” and "You Make Me Happy" (which was later covered by New Jersey R&B group, Surface). Paul McLean reformed Hi-Tension in 2013 and performed at the Soulstice Festival as headliners in Barnet, London the following year.
