S*M*A*S*H
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 SMASH, a punk-infused Britpop trio whose raw energy and uncompromising voice set them apart.
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 signalled 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: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England
Active years: 1984–1996, 2004–2018
Associated genres: Punk rock, New Wave of New Wave
Record labels: Hi-Rise Recordings, Virgin, Sub Pop, Major League Productions (MLP)
Members: Ed Borrie – vocals, guitar / Salvatore Alessi – bass / Rob Hague – drums
Formation and Early Years
Formed in the mid-1980s by Ed Borrie and Salvatore Alessi, who met at school and were later joined by Rob Hague.
Named after a tongue-in-cheek acronym that reflected their bold and irreverent attitude.
Released their first singles independently, quickly gaining attention for their sharp political lyrics and DIY ethos.
Rise to Prominence
Became a defining act of the New Wave of New Wave scene, along with bands like These Animal Men and Compulsion.
Gained critical acclaim with their mini-album SMASH, which compiled early singles and demonstrated their punk energy.
Performed with Billy Bragg at an Anti-Nazi League rally, solidifying their reputation as a politically engaged band.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released their debut full-length album, Self Abused (1994), which reached No. 59 on the UK Albums Chart.
Gained international exposure with a single released through Seattle-based Sub Pop Records.
Followed up with the Another Love Song EP (1995) and continued to tour extensively in the UK and Europe.
Later Activities and Legacy
Reunited in 2004, releasing their second album Icon in 2007, which maintained their raw and uncompromising sound.
Their third album, Goodbye W.G.C., was released in 2017, showcasing a more reflective tone while staying true to their punk roots.
Disbanded in 2018, with Ed Borrie pursuing a solo career and releasing his debut album, What Goes On, in 2019.
Notable Facts
Controversial Classics: Their single "(I Want to) Kill Somebody" became a cult hit despite being banned for its provocative content.
Political Stance: Frequently associated with leftist movements, they performed at Anti-Nazi League rallies alongside artists like Billy Bragg.
DIY Punk Icons: Their ability to self-release and create impactful music independently made them icons of the 1990s UK punk revival.
Defining Lyric
"That’s the extent of my hate" - (I Want to) Kill Somebody (1994)
Discography
Self Abused (1994)
Icon (2007)
Goodbye W.G.C. (2017)
Essential Listening
"(I Want to) Kill Somebody" (1994): A controversial anthem that became a punk rock classic.
"Another Love Song" (1995): A blistering track that showcases their raw energy and biting lyricism.
"Shame" (1994): A track that embodies their uncompromising sound and their rise during the New Wave of New Wave movement.
Why You Should Be Listening to SMASH Now
SMASH’s politically charged lyrics and fierce energy remain as relevant today as they were in the 1990s. Their music captures the spirit of resistance and individuality, offering a raw and unfiltered look at the world. Rediscover their legacy and let their uncompromising punk ethos inspire you.
See you on down the road.
