Wanting a bigger audience, Howe and Corner began writing for a more song-based project. Ian Pickering, a lifelong friend of Howe's, joined the writing team as a lyricist. With an album of material written, singer Kelli Dayton (who had been introduced to Howe and Corner through Derek Birkett of One Little Indian) was invited to sing, and the band Sneaker Pimps was then formed. The debut album, Becoming X, was recorded entirely in Howe's father's house in Elwick, a small village on the outskirts of Hartlepool. Howe and Corner produced the record under the Line of Flight umbrella, with contributions from producers Jim Abbiss and Flood.
