Denim
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 Denim, a satirical, glam-influenced indie band that turned a biting lens on Britain’s music and society. 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: Birmingham, England
Active years: 1992–1997
Associated genres: Glam rock, indie rock
Record labels: Boy’s Own, Echo, EMIDISC, West Midlands Records
Members: Lawrence (vocals)/Brian O’Shaughnessy/Neil Scott/Peter Phipps/Bill Bass/Bill Phillips
Formation and Early Years
Formed by Lawrence following the breakup of his previous band, Felt.
Denim’s sound was a deliberate pivot, blending glam rock nostalgia with sharp, satirical lyrics.
Named as both a nod to and critique of 1970s culture, Denim’s music was deeply intertwined with Lawrence’s commentary on the era.
Rise to Prominence
Debuted with Back in Denim (1992), an album that mixed synths, guitars, and glam-rock influences with biting humor.
The single "Middle of the Road" (1993) showcased their penchant for irreverent critique.
Denim on Ice (1996) deepened their commentary, poking fun at Britpop with songs like "The Great Pub Rock Revival".
Toured with Pulp, cementing Lawrence’s reputation as a cult favorite among fans of left-field British music.
Commercial Success and Albums
Back in Denim (1992): A critical but not commercial success, it remains a cult classic.
Denim on Ice (1996): Expanded their sound with more synthesizers and tracks tackling England’s societal issues like "Glue & Smack".
Novelty Rock (1997): A compilation of B-sides and unreleased tracks, showcasing their love for quirky, offbeat music.
Denim Take Over (1997): Unreleased due to lack of commercial success and the cancellation of its lead single "Summer Smash" after Princess Diana’s death.
Later Activities and Legacy
Lawrence moved on to his next project, Go Kart Mozart, reworking several Denim Take Over tracks into their albums.
In 2018, The New Potatoes was chosen by Charlie Brooker as his top pick on Desert Island Discs, signaling Denim’s lasting cult appeal.
Though never achieving mainstream success, Denim’s witty, satirical take on music and British culture continues to resonate with fans of left-field indie music.
Notable Facts
The single "Summer Smash" was withdrawn from release out of respect following Princess Diana’s death, marking the end of Denim’s career.
Lawrence has remained a cult figure in British music, with his projects garnering critical acclaim but limited commercial success.
Their music is as much a critique of British culture as it is a celebration of its idiosyncrasies.
Defining Lyric
"I hate the Stones and I hate blues" – "Middle of the Road"
Discography
Albums
Back in Denim (1992)
Denim on Ice (1996)
Denim Take Over (1997) – Unreleased
Compilation Albums
Novelty Rock (1997)
Essential Listening
"Middle of the Road" (1993): A satirical look at glam rock nostalgia.
"The Great Pub Rock Revival" (1996): A sharp critique of Britpop’s retro leanings.
"Summer Smash" (1997): A joyful, yet ill-fated single, emblematic of Denim’s bittersweet career.
Why You Should Be Listening to Denim Now
Denim’s music offers a sharp, witty critique of music and British culture, wrapped in the glittering sounds of glam rock. Their satirical edge feels as relevant today as ever, making them essential listening for fans of indie’s eccentric underbelly.
See you on down the road.
