Delicatessen
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Delicatessen, an English indie-rock band whose dark, intricate sound stood apart in the Britpop era. Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: The Hub, England
Active years: Early 1990s–1998
Associated genres: Indie rock, Britpop
Record labels: Starfish, Viper
Members: Neil Carlill (vocals, guitar)/Craig Bown (guitar, flute)/Joe Wood (bass)/Stuart Dayman (drums)/Jonny Wood (keyboards)
Former members: Pete Capewell (bass)
Formation and Early Years
Formed in the early 1990s, named after the French film Delicatessen.
Initial lineup included Neil Carlill, Craig Bown, Pete Capewell, and Stuart Dayman.
Signed to Starfish Records and debuted with the single "Inviting Both Sisters to Dinner" in 1994.
Early work combined melancholic melodies with poetic lyricism and a distinctive, cinematic feel.
Rise to Prominence
Released their debut album, Skin Touching Water (1995), blending intricate instrumentation and Neil Carlill’s haunting vocals.
Played the Reading Festival in 1995, headlining the little tent and showcasing their atmospheric live presence.
Released Hustle Into Bed (1996), a darker, piano and string-led album produced by Tony Cohen, known for his work with Nick Cave and The Birthday Party.
Commercial Success and Albums
Known for their sophisticated arrangements, Delicatessen gained a cult following with:
Skin Touching Water (1995): A haunting debut featuring tracks like "C.F. Kane".
Hustle Into Bed (1996): A critically praised exploration of darker themes and orchestration.
There’s No Confusing Some People (1998): Their final album, released on Viper Records, before disbanding.
Later Activities and Legacy
Neil Carlill went on to form Lodger, an indie supergroup with members of Supergrass and Powder, before moving to the U.S. to work on projects like Vedette and Chicanery.
Will Foster became a keyboardist for The Tears.
Stuart Dayman transitioned to photography.
Jonny Wood played with Ten Benson and January, contributing keyboards, bass, and violin.
Though underappreciated compared to Britpop’s mainstream acts, Delicatessen’s unique sound has aged gracefully, standing as a testament to the experimental side of the era.
Notable Facts
Delicatessen recorded two sessions for John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show, including a set at the Reading Festival in 1995.
Their name reflects their cinematic and eclectic approach, taking inspiration from the cult French film Delicatessen.
Neil Carlill’s distinct vocals and poetic lyrics remain a defining feature of their legacy.
Defining Lyric
"All I see is energy" - C.F. Kane
Discography
Albums
Skin Touching Water (1995)
Hustle Into Bed (1996)
There’s No Confusing Some People (1998)
Singles
"Inviting Both Sisters to Dinner" (1994)
"C.F. Kane" (1995)
"I’m Just Alive" (1995)
"Monkey Suit" (1996)
Essential Listening
"C.F. Kane" (1995): A haunting blend of storytelling and instrumental drama.
"I’m Just Alive" (1995): Raw, evocative, and timeless.
"Monkey Suit" (1996): Captures their darker, string-laden sound.
Why You Should Be Listening to Delicatessen Now
Delicatessen’s music is an evocative snapshot of Britpop’s more experimental side, with a sound that transcends the genre’s boundaries. Their melancholic melodies and rich arrangements offer a depth that resonates even today.
See you on down the road.
