Electric was released on Sire Records. It was the follow-up to 1985’s post-punk / gothic rock hit Love, which produced the hit “She Sells Sanctuary,” as well as the singles “Rain” and “Revolution.” It was the band's breakthrough record, coming on the heels of 1984’s Dreamtime, which had them firmly ensconced in the burgeoning U.K. goth scene. Founding members Billy Duffy (guitar) and Ian Astbury (vocals) both had respectable pedigrees in that scene. Astbury had fronted Southern Death Cult, and Duffy had played guitar in Theatre of Hate, two notable bands making the rounds at the batcave. When Electric hit the shelves, most of their fans were perplexed when they put the record on the turntable and were greeted by lean, mean hard rockers “Love Removal Machine,” “Outlaw” and the bluesy “Lil’ Devil.” Gone were the lush, chorus-laden guitar tracks and reverb-drenched vocals. The new Cult record was dry as a bone and in your face, “borrowing” riffs and attitude from Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. They looked different, as well, trading in their paisley shirts and scarves for leather and denim. The album even included a cover of the Steppenwolf classic “Born to Be Wild,” which could be perceived as heavy-handed.