Honey Bane – Turn Me On Turn Me Off

Released in 1981, “Turn Me On Turn Me Off” was the breakthrough single by Honey Bane, an artist whose career had already taken her from the raw underground punk scene into the wider world of British pop. Born Donna Boylan, Bane had previously been associated with the influential punk group The Fatal Microbes and the independent Crass label, making her transition into a more accessible chart sound particularly striking.

“Turn Me On Turn Me Off” combined elements of new wave, pop and electronic music, creating a catchy and highly distinctive recording. Bane’s direct, slightly edgy vocal delivery gives the song plenty of personality, while the production surrounds her with crisp percussion, keyboards and a bouncy melodic arrangement. The title reflects the song’s playful theme of romantic indecision, with Bane addressing the frustrations of being caught between attraction and rejection.

The recording demonstrated Bane’s ability to retain some of the attitude of her punk background while embracing the more polished sound of early-1980s pop. Her appearance on Top of the Pops helped introduce her to a much wider audience and made her one of the more intriguing female performers of the period.

Although Honey Bane’s mainstream recording career was relatively brief, “Turn Me On Turn Me Off” has remained a fascinating snapshot of the transition between late-1970s punk and early-1980s new wave. Its infectious melody, distinctive vocal and unusual musical journey continue to make it a memorable piece of British pop history.

It peaked at No. 37 in the UK Singles Chart on 31st January 1981.