Lush
Though they made their live debut at the Camden Falcon on 6 March 1988, little was heard of London-based Lush's serene pop qualities and full-bodied guitar sound until their mini-album, SCAR issued in October 1989 on 4AD Records. It was a critically acclaimed debut, and red-haired Miki Berenyi (b. 18 March 1967, St Stephen's, London, England; vocals/guitar), Emma Anderson (b. 10 June 1964, Raynes Park, London, England; guitar/backing vocals), Steve Rippon (bass guitar) and Christopher Acland (b. 7 September 1966, Lancaster, Lancashire, England; drums) found themselves topping the independent charts. Previously Anderson, a former DHSS clerical assistant, had been bass player for the Rover Girls, Berenyi had played with I-Goat, Fuhrer Five and the Lillies, while Acland had been a member of Infection, Panik, A Touch Of Hysteria, Poison In The Machine and others. Tours with the Darling Buds and Loop followed Lush's initial breakthrough, plus an appearance on BBC2's 'Snub TV' and a John Peel radio session. The EP, MAD LOVE, issued in February 1990, was less raw but soared to new heights with the help of producer Robin Guthrie from the Cocteau Twins. Lush's consistent coverage in the music press, not least for their perpetual appearances at pre/post-gig parties, made them one of the leading UK independent groups of the year; one that was taken up with tours in the UK and Europe and an appearance at the Glastonbury Festival. Another EP, SWEETNESS AND LIGHT, offered a further move towards a commercial pop sound and only narrowly missed the national charts. The three EPs were compiled, originally for the US market, on GALA. Much of 1991 was spent recording the long-awaited full debut album, during which time the release of the EP, BLACK SPRING (which included a cover of Dennis Wilson's Fallin' In Love), wetted appetites. When SPOOKY was finally released, many were disappointed, some insisting that Guthrie's production had swamped the group sound. Nevertheless, the album reached the national Top 20 and number 1 in the UK independent chart. During the winter of 1991/2 the group line-up changed when bassist Steve Rippon left amicably, to be replaced by New Musical Express picture researcher, Phil King (b. 29 April 1960, Chiswick, London, England). His musical apprenticeship had already included stints in the Servants, Felt, Biff Bang Pow! and See See Rider.