Kinky Machine
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 Kinky Machine, the West London indie rockers whose eclectic influences and glam-tinged sound briefly lit up the Britpop scene.
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: 1991–1995
Associated genres: Indie rock, Britpop
Record labels: Lemon, MCA/Oxygen
Members: Louis Eliot – vocals, guitar / Johnny Bull – guitar / Julian Fenton – drums / Malcolm Pardon – bass / Nick Powell – bass / Anthony Christmas – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in late 1991 in West London by Louis Eliot (vocals, guitar) and Julian Fenton (drums), later joined by Johnny Bull (guitar) and Malcolm Pardon (bass).
Signed to the Lemon label, releasing two singles in 1992 that became hits on the UK Independent Chart.
Released the single "Supernatural Giver," which brought minor chart success and led to a deal with MCA Records offshoot Oxygen.
Rise to Prominence
Released their eponymous debut album Kinky Machine in 1993, featuring singles such as "Shockaholic" and "Going Out With God."
Drew comparisons to bands like Pulp, The Only Ones, and Mott the Hoople for their glam rock and punk rock influences.
Supported major acts like Ned's Atomic Dustbin and Manic Street Preachers on tour, building a modest following.
Commercial Success and Albums
Followed up with their second album Bent in 1994, continuing to explore their eclectic style.
Released "10 Second Bionic Man," one of their notable singles during this era.
Gained recognition for their glam-inspired aesthetic but struggled to break through in the increasingly competitive Britpop scene.
Later Activities and Legacy
Released their final single, "London Crawling," on East West Records before disbanding in 1995.
Drummer Julian Fenton left to join The Lightning Seeds, with Anthony Christmas briefly stepping in.
Found themselves overshadowed by Britpop peers like Supergrass and Elastica, leading to disillusionment with the scene.
Louis Eliot and Johnny Bull formed Rialto in 1996, with Eliot later leading a new band, the Embers, and pursuing a solo career.
Notable Facts
Kinky Machine’s single "Supernatural Giver" reached No. 15 on the UK Independent Chart, marking their first significant breakthrough.
The band’s touring history included opening for established acts like Manic Street Preachers, cementing their presence in the 1990s indie rock circuit.
Founding member Julian Fenton joined The Lightning Seeds after Kinky Machine’s dissolution, contributing to their success on albums like Dizzy Heights.
Defining Lyric
"Trying to smoke wet cigarettes" – Wet Cigarettes
Discography
Kinky Machine (1993)
Bent (1994)
Essential Listening
“Supernatural Giver” – Their breakthrough single, showcasing their glam-inspired sound.
“Shockaholic” – A standout track from their debut album with undeniable energy.
“London Crawling” – Their final single, capturing the band’s gritty and reflective tone.
Why You Should Be Listening to Kinky Machine Now
Kinky Machine’s music offers a fascinating glimpse into the pre-Britpop era’s adventurous spirit, blending glam, punk, and indie rock into a unique sound. While their time in the spotlight was short-lived, their tracks remain a testament to the vibrant creativity of the 1990s music scene.
See you on down the road.
