DOWNLINERS SECT - The Sect (Charly Records CR 3014) UK 1977 reissue LP of 1964 album
vinyl: NM (mint-) | cover: NM (mint-)

Downliners Sect were a British 1960s group with an R&B style similar to The Yardbirds or Rolling Stones, formed by rhythm guitarist/vocalist Mick O'Donnell with drummer Johnny Sutton when their group the Downliners disbanded after a disastrous French tour.

Arthur Evans, originally a drummer, joined the band and became bass guitarist/vocalist, whilst an earlier lead guitarist was replaced by Terry Gibson (AKA Terry Clemson) from an Orpington band called The Hoods. O'Donnell and Evans decided to change their performing names to Don Craine and Keith Grant respectively, although they retained their real names in writing/arranging credits.

The band's first studio recordings in 1963 were "Cadillac" & "Roll Over Beethoven", but were not released until much later. The first Downliners Sect release was a self-financed EP of 400 copies, titled "Nite In Gt. Newport Street" - recorded live in the street's club Studio 51, run by Vi Highland & Pat Mayhew, later to become the Ken Colyer Club. It was here that the band met and took on Ray Sone as harmonica player.