Elastica

Justine Frischmann, original drummer for an embryonic version of Suede, started this group in the early '90s with a penchant for covering Wire and a good sense of how to take that group's abrasive, angular punk and give it a more sexy, poppy sheen. The result: self-titled debut became the fastest-selling debut album in U.K. history. Congratulations.

The group unfortunately took six years to follow up that album, and when the second disc finally did come, it was with a completely new group of musicians built around Frischmann. And it wasn't as good.

Elastica will never go down as one of the more creative groups to fly up the U.K. pop charts. But they do have a style, an elan, that imbued their music with a unique feel. Those who like Saturday night music, britpop, or Wire, will find joy in listening to their debut. That is all.

Album reviews

6-Song EP
Deceptive (1999)
This smallish EP (total running time: 16:29) is the first Elastica release in four years, and it serves its purpose well as a teasing hors d'oeuvre for the band's long-awaited second full-length.

Elastica (Recommended)
Geffen (1995)
This album perseveres, and proudly stands out among '90s britpop for its sexy, punkish feel and consistent catchiness.