Raleigh, North Carolina-based rock band the Connells formed in the spring of 1984. Fronted by guitarist Mike Connell and his brother, bassist David, the first incarnation of the group also featured vocalist Doug McMillan and drummer John Schultz, who was soon replaced by former Johnny Quest percussionist Peele Wimberley. In late 1984, the quartet recorded a four-song demo. After one of the tracks, "Darker Days," was selected to appear on the North Carolina compilation More Mondo, the Connells' ranks expanded with the addition of singer/guitarist George Huntley

Darker Days was released in Europe by Demon in 1985, and by Black Park Records in the US. The Connells signed with TVT Records prior to entering producer Mitch Easter's Drive-In Studios to record 1987's brooding, more assured Boylan Heights.

The edgier Fun and Games followed in 1989, and a year later the group resurfaced with One Simple Word. After a three-year tour that saw the Connells add keyboardist Steve Potak to their lineup in 1991, they finally returned to the studio to begin work on 1993's Ring, highlighted by the singles "Slackjawed"  and "74-75," a major hit throughout Europe. After another three-year hiatus, the Connells issued 1996's Weird Food & Devastation. The group returned in 1998 with Still Life, and followed 3 years later with Old-School Dropouts in 2001 on Black Park Records.