Elastica

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 Elastica, a band that channeled punk energy into Britpop anthems with their sharp riffs and infectious hooks.

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: London, England

• Active years: 1992–2001

• Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, post-punk, new wave

• Record labels: Deceptive, Geffen, Atlantic

• Members: Justine Frischmann (vocals, guitar)/Justin Welch (drums)/Donna Matthews (guitar, vocals)/Annie Holland (bass)/David Bush (Keyboards)/Sheila Chipperfield (bass)/Paul Jones (guitar)//

  Sharon Mew (keyboards, vocals)

Formation and Early Years

• Formed by Justine Frischmann and Justin Welch after leaving Suede.

• Annie Holland and Donna Matthews joined, completing the initial lineup.

• Released their debut single "Stutter" in 1993, showcasing raw punk-inspired energy.

Rise to Prominence

• Breakthrough singles "Line Up" and "Connection" gained critical and commercial success.

• Debut album Elastica became the fastest-selling debut in UK history.

• Tabloid attention followed Frischmann’s relationship with Damon Albarn of Blur.

Commercial Success and Albums

• Elastica featured iconic tracks like "Connection" and "Waking Up," defining the band’s sound.

• Faced legal challenges over similarities to songs by Wire and The Stranglers, resolved out of court.

• Toured extensively, including Lollapalooza, establishing their reputation internationally.

Later Activities and Legacy

• The Menace took a more experimental direction but saw reduced commercial success.

• Internal struggles and changes in lineup marked their later years.

• Disbanded in 2001 after releasing their farewell single "The Bitch Don’t Work."

Notable Facts

• Their debut album’s record for fastest sales stood until Arctic Monkeys broke it in 2006.

• "Connection" remains one of the defining anthems of the Britpop era.

• Known for blending punk energy with Britpop hooks.

Defining Lyric

"I've got a lot of songs but they're all in my head" - Waking up

Discography

• Elastica

• The Menace

Essential Listening

• "Connection"

• "Stutter"

• "Waking Up"

Why You Should Be Listening to Elastica Now

Elastica’s music remains a time capsule of Britpop’s punk-infused edge. Their energy, wit, and timeless riffs make them as relevant today as ever.

See you on down the road.