Minimal Compact were a new wave band, formed in 1981 in Israel by the artists Sami Birnbach (lyrics and vocals), Berry Sakharoff (guitar), and Malka Spiegel (who learned to play bass guitar after joining the band). At first the band operated under the name S.O.B, and later (joined by Rami Fortis and Max Franken) become one of the very first artists signed to the Belgian Crammed label. the band gained fame in the Indie Rock scene, releasing several albums (some produced by Colin Newman of Wire, Speigel's husband).