During 1979-1990 in Los Angeles, 45 Grave emerged during the punk movement and created their own brand of deathrock. The original lineup consisted of
Dinah Cancer on vocals, Paul Cutler on guitar, Rob Ritter (also known as Rob Graves) on bass, and Don
Bolles on drums. The band evolved out of a proto-industrial music band called
Vox Pop, who recorded two singles and played around the Los Angeles area, including an opening slot for the final performance of Throbbing Gristle in Culver City. Vox Pop contained all of the members of 45 Grave as well as others such as Jeff Dahl. Vox Pop continued to coexist with 45 Grave until early 1981.