Silversun
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 Silver Sun, a Camden-based band whose infectious power-pop and intricate harmonies brought a vibrant twist to the Britpop landscape.
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: Camden, London, England
Active years: 1995–2020
Associated genres: Indie rock, power pop, Britpop
Record labels: Polydor, Invisible Hands
Members: James Broad – vocals, guitar (deceased) / Richard Buckton – guitar / Paul Smith – bass / Richard Sayce – drums
Formation and Early Years
Originally formed under the name Sun..!, but changed to Silver Sun due to naming conflicts.
The name Silver Sun was partly inspired by the Beatles’ early moniker, The Silver Beetles.
Released their debut EP under the original name before rebranding as Silver Sun.
Rise to Prominence
Their 1997 self-titled debut album was co-produced by Nigel Godrich, who later gained fame working with Radiohead and Paul McCartney.
Toured extensively in the late 1990s, supporting bands like Sleeper, James, and Ash, and performing at major festivals including Glastonbury and Reading.
Scored their biggest UK hit with a pop-punk cover of Johnny Mathis’s "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" in 1998.
Commercial Success and Albums
Debut album Silver Sun (1997) reached number 30 on the UK charts and featured fan favorites like "Lava" and "Golden Skin".
Follow-up album Neo Wave (1998) showcased their diverse influences and included a celebrated cover of Rush’s "Xanadu".
Released independently produced albums, including Disappear Here (2005) and A Lick and a Promise (2013), which highlighted James Broad’s multi-instrumental talents.
Later Activities and Legacy
James Broad continued to write and produce music for Silver Sun until his untimely passing in 2020.
The band reunited in 2017 to support Sleeper at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, rekindling interest in their energetic live performances.
Their distinctive harmonies and inventive covers have left a lasting impression on fans of Britpop and power-pop alike.
Notable Facts
MTV Breakthrough: The music video for their single "Lava" gained heavy rotation on MTV Europe, significantly boosting the band’s early exposure and cementing their place in the Britpop era.
Glastonbury Moment: Silver Sun's energetic set at Glastonbury 1997, during the height of Britpop, earned them critical acclaim and expanded their fanbase.
Shooting Fish Soundtrack: Their track "Golden Skin" was featured prominently in the soundtrack of the British comedy Shooting Fish, bringing their sound to a wider audience in the late 1990s.
Defining Lyric
"She's learning English now the subtitles gone" - Golden Skin (1997)
Discography
Silver Sun (1997)
Neo Wave (1998)
Disappear Here (2005)
Dad's Weird Dream (2006)
A Lick and a Promise (2013)
Switzerland (2020)
Mild Peril (2024)
Essential Listening
"Lava" (1997): A high-energy anthem that set the tone for their debut album and showcased their vibrant harmonies.
"Golden Skin" (1997): A shimmering track that encapsulates their knack for combining heartfelt lyrics with upbeat melodies.
"Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" (1998): Their playful reimagining of the Johnny Mathis classic became their biggest hit.
Why You Should Be Listening to Silver Sun Now
Silver Sun’s exuberant blend of power pop and Britpop remains as catchy and captivating today as it was in the late 1990s. With their layered harmonies, inventive covers, and enduring melodies, they offer a vibrant slice of the era that continues to resonate with fans old and new.
See you on down the road.
