Todd Michael Hall's first stint as a lead singer was with the cover tune band Wrought Iron back in 1984 when he was 15 years old. After playing numerous shows in the mid-Michigan area, Todd left Wrought Iron and took a year off from performing.
Wrought Iron eventually changed its name to Harlet, but continued to perform as a cover tune band. After numerous line-up changes, Harlet began writing original music in 1986 when original Harlet members Jon David (bass) and Steve Axestorm (drums) recruited Todd back into the band on vocals along with Glenn Kirkland (guitar). This line-up recorded a five song EP cassette tape entitled Virgin Wings, which was independently released in early 1987.
Continuing the focus on original material, the band entered the studio to record a full length CD in the fall of 1987 with new guitar player, Tommy Botsford. The nine song CD and cassette, 25 Gets a Ride, was released in early 1988.