This became the first five piece version of the band, consisting of Kramer, Bieler, McLernon, Dembrowski and Sanders. Phil Varone had already left the band and was replaced by drummer Ricky Sanders. In July 1997, the band attempted a reunion with Matt Kramer on lead vocals. Saigon Kick then toured globally, particularly in South East Asia, but they never managed to build on the success of The Lizard in the US. The band signed to the CMC International label in 1995, and the lineup of Bieler, McLernon, Varone, and Dembrowski released their fourth album Devil in the Details that same year.

Water sold significantly less than the previous album, and Atlantic decided to drop the band in 1994. Guitarist Pete Dembrowski was hired in time for the band's 1993 tour to support the new album. Finishing touches were added to the album at sessions in Tampa, Florida. With Kramer gone, Bieler decided to take over all of the vocal duties in addition to playing guitar on the album. He officially left the band mid-session and returned to Florida. Kramer also argued that there were financial disputes within the band and tensions reached a boiling point. During recording, Matt Kramer became disgruntled with the direction that the band was heading both musically and stylistically. Looking to continue their momentum, the band quickly returned to Sweden to record their third album Water in 1993. In 1996, The Lizard, reached sales above 500,000 and was certified gold, their only album to achieve this certification. He was replaced by ex-Cold Sweat bassist Chris McLernon. Just before touring for the album commenced, bassist Tom DeFile was fired. The album spawned the band's only hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, ' Love Is on the Way', which reached number 12. They went immediately back into the studio to record their second album, The Lizard which was released in 1992. The band's guitar work was a collaboration and written by Alex Michaels (on 'Love Is on the Way', ' All I Want is You' and 'Hostile Youth'), a Florida guitarist who played with Kid Havoc and Mad Hatter. Paul Auger was the musical director for both albums and often enlisted other musicians assistance. Their self-titled album was released in 1991, and they toured, but the album only made a marginal national showing.

During the recording of their first album Puckett left and was replaced by Tom DeFile. They gained a following on the local club scene and generated enough of a buzz to be signed to Third Stone Records in 1990. The band was formed by lead vocalist Matt Kramer and guitarist Jason Bieler along with bassist Sean Puckett and drummer Phil Varone. History Formation and mainstream success (1988–1992)

1.1 Formation and mainstream success (1988–1992).

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