Kenickie
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 Kenickie, the Sunderland four-piece who combined punk energy with pop melodies to create anthems for misfits and dreamers alike.
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: Sunderland, England
Active years: 1994–1998
Associated genres: Britpop, alternative rock, pop punk, indie pop
Record labels: Slampt, Fierce Panda, EMIdisc, Warner Bros.
Members: Lauren Laverne – vocals, guitar / Marie du Santiago – lead guitar, vocals / Emmy-Kate Montrose – bass / Johnny X – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1994 by schoolmates Lauren Laverne, her brother Pete Gofton (Johnny X), Marie du Santiago, and Emmy-Kate Montrose.
Their name, inspired by a character in the film Grease, reflected the band’s playful attitude.
Released their debut EP Catsuit City (1995) on Slampt Records, rejecting offers from major labels like Creation.
Gained attention supporting the Ramones on their final UK tour in 1996.
Rise to Prominence
Signed to EMIdisc and released singles like "In Your Car," which peaked at No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their debut album, At the Club (1997), reached No. 9 in the UK Albums Chart.
Kenickie became known for their dynamic live shows, including a memorable Top of the Pops performance in 1997.
Commercial Success and Albums
At the Club earned critical acclaim, featuring hits such as "Come Out 2Nite" and "Punka."
Their follow-up album, Get In (1998), showcased a more polished sound but did not achieve the same commercial success.
Later Activities and Legacy
The band disbanded in October 1998 after a farewell gig at the London Astoria. Lauren Laverne famously closed the show by saying, “We were Kenickie… a bunch of fuckwits.”
Lauren Laverne pursued a successful career in broadcasting, including hosting BBC Radio 6 Music’s breakfast show and Desert Island Discs.
Marie du Santiago and Emmy-Kate Montrose formed the short-lived band Rosita and later pursued careers in the arts and academia.
Kenickie’s influence can be seen in the rise of female-fronted bands in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Notable Facts
Kenickie supported the Ramones during their final UK tour, cementing their punk credentials.
Their debut album At the Club peaked at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart, their highest-charting release.
Courtney Love famously described Kenickie as “a big bunch of sex.”
Defining Lyric
"Lo-fi songs are great" – Punka
Discography
At the Club (1997)
Get In (1998)
Essential Listening
“Punka” – A raw and rebellious anthem that became synonymous with the band.
“In Your Car” – The infectious single that brought them to the mainstream.
“Come Out 2Nite” – A perfect encapsulation of Kenickie’s youthful energy and charm.
Why You Should Be Listening to Kenickie Now
Kenickie’s music is a time capsule of 1990s Britpop with a punk edge, filled with wit, charisma, and an irresistible DIY spirit. Their songs remain as catchy and compelling as ever, a reminder of when the charts had room for raw energy and authenticity.
See you on down the road.
