Geneva
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 Geneva, the Aberdeen band known for their atmospheric melodies and poignant lyrics that added depth to 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: Aberdeen, Scotland
Active years: 1992–2000, 2018–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, indie rock, art rock, Britpop
Record labels: Nude Records
Members: Andrew Montgomery – vocals / Steven Dora – guitar / Keith Graham – bass / Douglas Caskie – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in Aberdeen in 1992 by Andrew Montgomery and Steven Dora, initially under the name Sunfish.
Recruited Stuart Evans (guitar), Keith Graham (bass), and Craig Brown (drums). Brown was later replaced by Douglas Caskie.
Signed to Nude Records in 1996 after their demo caught the attention of Suede’s record label.
Rise to Prominence
Debuted with the single No One Speaks in 1996, garnering positive attention.
Headlined NME’s annual Bratbus tour in early 1997, boosting their visibility.
Followed up with Into the Blue and their acclaimed debut album Further, which peaked at No. 20 on the UK Albums Chart.
Commercial Success and Albums
Further (1997) featured four UK Top 40 singles, including Tranquilizer, voted NME's Single of the Year.
The second album, Weather Underground (2000), was delayed due to record label struggles but showcased their evolving sound.
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 2000 following the release of Weather Underground.
Members pursued various projects: Andrew Montgomery released a solo album, Ruled by Dreams, in 2014, while Keith Graham formed the electronic outfit 69CORP.
Reunited in 2018 to perform at the Star Shaped Festival and teased the possibility of new music.
Notable Facts
Geneva headlined the NME Bratbus tour in 1997, spotlighting their growing popularity in the Britpop scene.
Their debut album Further included four UK Top 40 singles, an impressive feat for a debut release.
Tranquilizer was voted NME's Single of the Year in 1997.
Defining Lyric
"I could just disappear Into the blue" – Into the blue
Discography
Further (1997)
Weather Underground (2000)
Essential Listening
No One Speaks – A haunting and heartfelt debut single that introduced the band to the Britpop scene.
Tranquilizer – The NME Single of the Year, showcasing their ability to craft evocative anthems.
Into the Blue – A sweeping, melodic track that cemented their place in Britpop history.
Why You Should Be Listening to Geneva Now
Geneva’s music remains a treasure trove of emotional depth and atmospheric beauty. Their reunion has reignited interest in their legacy, making now the perfect time to rediscover their work—or hear it for the first time.
See you on down the road.
