Rialto
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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 Rialto, a London-based band whose cinematic pop and haunting melodies captured the mood of the late 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: London, England
Active years: 1997–2002, 2023–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, Britpop
Record labels: EastWest, China Records, Eagle Records, Koch Records (US)
Members: Louis Eliot – lead vocalist, guitar, songwriter / Jonny Bull – guitar, programming, backing vocals, producer / Julian Taylor – bass, backing vocals, trumpet
Former members: Pete Cuthbert – drums / Toby Hounsham – keyboards / Anthony Christmas – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1997 from the remains of Kinky Machine, which featured Louis Eliot, Jonny Bull, and Anthony Christmas.
Early lineup additions included Julian Taylor on bass and Toby Hounsham on keyboards.
Released debut singles "When We’re Together" and "Untouchable", the latter reaching the UK Top 20.
Rise to Prominence
Became the first UK chart band to release a single exclusively online with 1998’s "Dream Another Dream".
Gained international success, with their debut album charting at number one in South Korea.
Built a reputation for cinematic pop, blending dramatic lyrics with lush instrumentation.
Commercial Success and Albums
Self-titled debut album Rialto (1998) featured standout tracks "Untouchable" and "Monday Morning 5:19", charting in the UK and internationally.
Follow-up album Night on Earth (2001) delved into darker themes and further refined their sound.
Singles like "Girl on a Train" became cult classics, solidifying their status as a distinctive voice in Britpop.
Later Activities and Legacy
Despite disbanding in 2002, the band retained a devoted fanbase, especially in East and Southeast Asia.
Members pursued solo projects, with Louis Eliot releasing acclaimed albums and joining Grace Jones's touring band.
Reunited in 2023 to play the Shiiine On Weekender festival, marking a triumphant return.
Notable Facts
First UK chart band to release a single exclusively online: "Dream Another Dream" was groundbreaking for its time in 1998.
South Korean chart-toppers: Rialto achieved double platinum sales, displacing Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On.
Shiiine On Weekender reunion: Performed alongside Britpop legends like Sleeper and The Supernaturals in 2023.
Defining Lyric
"It's Monday morning, 5:19, and I'm still wondering where you've been." - Monday Morning 5:19 (1998)
Discography
Rialto (1998)
Night on Earth (2001)
Essential Listening
"Untouchable" (1997): A haunting anthem that epitomized their cinematic pop style.
"Monday Morning 5:19" (1998): A melancholic yet uplifting exploration of late-night despair.
"Girl on a Train" (2001): A wistful and cinematic classic showcasing their poetic storytelling.
Why You Should Be Listening to Rialto Now
Rialto’s music remains a poignant snapshot of Britpop’s twilight years, blending drama, emotion, and timeless melodies. Their return offers a chance to rediscover a band that deserves a place in the Britpop pantheon.
See you on down the road.
