Elastica

Rarely does an album jump up and tell you, “we showed up and we’re ready to kick ass!” I had never heard of Elastica, but they were going to be a summer project now! They reminded me of a combo of the Interruptors and the Go-Go’s, with some homage of the Bangles and Bananarama mixed in. Edgier. Swankier. Cooler. Sheila Chipperfield’s bass tone is sick! Key songs are Vaseline (a classic punk anthem), SOFT with that awesome break in the middle, and Smile’s Ramones-style-power-and-fade format, though special shout out to Indian Song, which seems misplaced with its Norwegian Wood feel, but once you get into it seems right in the mix. If this came out in ‘95, why am I just hearing them in 2025? Something seems wrong in the world…aside from everything political….

Really liked this one, it’s fun

Not a significant album but still enjoyable. Boy do I love me some punk rock women.

Derivative as they may be, this band knows its sources and knows exactly how it wants to take it in a pop direction. Gone are the Situationist takes, in are tongue-in-cheek innuendo. It’s a strikingly good album, if a little bit too similar to its references.

All-Nighter 2:1 Never Really Here

I really enjoyed this! I didn't know what to expect but I've listened to it twice through. Some of the songs admittedly did sound the same, but I still liked the album as a whole

Almost perfect indie-rock album. Rips through a flurry of great songs in 38 minutes. Mean girls with guitars.

Very girl power rock liked it a lot

Pleasantly surprised by this one. It did feel like some of the songs were a bit similar to each other, but on the whole I really enjoyed this album. I liked the vocals, she sounded almost bored sometimes but it suited the music. I think this is one I will listen to again. Fav song: Waking Up Least fav: Vaseline

Not a bad album at all but just wasn’t that into it really. Nice sound but didn’t take much away from it Specific rating - 3.6 Fav song - line up Least fav - stutter

Found the music itself super interesting and fun even when the lyrics didn't live up to them (thinking of Vaseline especially) . A lot of songs that I will definitely be coming back to listen to again! Favourite: Connection or Car Song Least: Hold Me Now

Good stuff! It's amazing how much better rock gets when you add, like, women.

Very solid punk album, sounds like it came from the 80's more than 1995 though. Mid 4.

4.0/5.0: Great

nothing mind blowing but still solid

Better than 90% of britpop

No private session used for Spotify. I have listened to the album before, got some great songs and I can recall when the album came out and some of the songs got airplay, it was a nice change from the male grunge that was usually on the radio.

This was fun. I didn't realize I had ever heard this band before, but I was familiar with and quite enjoyed Connection. I enjoyed the rest as well. Not perfect but I would definitely listen again.

I like this album, but in no way, would I include it in this list. It's just kind of a fun brit pop album, but it was never as important as the others.

i like it

i like it :)

Бодрый и доходчивый альтернативный рок.

Connection is a banger. I used to have a slight thing for Justine back in the day, as I did for a few ladies who play guitar.

Damn the vocals on Indian Song, blew me away. Knew Connection and Stutter before hearing the album, but not much else by the band. The american version of the album has an extra track cowritten by Suede frontman Brett Anderson and shuffles Stutter and Vaseline. It's an album from the UK rock scene in the 90's, funny how we have got 3 different projects with Damon Albarn in it, think that that ranking goes, Gorillaz > Elastica > Blur this album is a 7/10

This was cool. I hadn't heard of them before, but found that I actually had heard Strutter, just didn't know the band. I liked the sounds and I could see myself listening again.

I remember finding this in the $1 bin at a record store back in the 90's and became really proud of my purchase after listening. Connection vs. Three Girl Rhumbah, by Wire. Both great. Hard to believe that this came from Suede, a band that I have such little tolerance for. Also, very happy to support anything that is anti Damon Albarn / Blur.

“Connections” may have been their biggest hit, but it’s my least favorite song on the album. I’m glad to say that the rest of “Elastica” is not as poppy or radio-friendly, and I really dug the album.

Love me some Elastica and I still listen to Stutter on the regular, but it’s not quite a five for me.

Elastica is certainly an enjoyable album. I am always in the mood for a good punk album and this album certainly delivered on that. I did not think it was perfect with the vocals feeling weak at times but when it comes to the music, that was handled pretty well for the most part. Every part of the music manages to steal the show in all of these songs with the trifecta of the guitars, bass and drums. They were all very good and could often be at their best during very different points of the album. The melodies here were also very infectious and catchy in a lot of these songs too. This isn't a perfect album but for what it does, it still is very good. Best Song: S.O.F.T. Worst Song: Indian Song

I actually gave this two listens because I was kinda borderline on it. I can really see why I was in to this when "Connection" was the big alt hit. In fact this album is at its best when it's hitting that dirty alt Britpop sound . There were other songs that seemed to channel Blondie (pre *Parallel Lines* era, when they still had their punkier edge). I really enjoyed those. But there were tracks here and there that kind of really didn't land in either category. I think overall the album feels a bit disjointed but I really enjoy most of what is represented throughout the album

Much like the gogos, right out of the gate with their own sound, but much more complex and rich. Not sure if blur stole from them or vice versa. Seems like maybe a sad story with their lead guitarist. Dig her angular ass riffs though. Damon Albarn helping out back when he knew how to actually rock

Derivative but undeniably catchy fun.

Really surprised E how good this was actually, sounds decent. High 4.

Slaps

sorry justine i don’t really have anything interesting to say about this album except that it’s fun and i like it and i don’t care whether they ripped off wire. fav tracks: annie; car song; S.O.F.T.; hold me now; waking up; indian song

yasssss (and also slay) i think the post-punk-ness of this is balanced by the pop-ness of it which makes it more tolerable genre to me than just post-punk. There are definitely moments that I hear the punk influences more (which normally isn't my fave) but they're complemented by a pop sound, and softened by the vocals which are relatively "pretty" (?) for the genre, so I'm able to enjoy this album even when the tracks lean more into genres that I normally don't love (such as the aforementioned post-punk, as well as the grunge-influenced "S.O.F.T."). fav tracks: Stutter, Hold Me Now, Connection, Annie, S.O.F.T.

My introduction to Elastica came not through NME or MTV, but through the most gloriously unhinged show on television at the time: Trigger Happy TV. Every time that opening riff from “Connection” kicked in, with Dom Joly charging through the streets in a dog costume or answering a giant phone in a library, it hit me like a jolt of energy. That clipped, mechanical riff became fused in my mind with a specific feeling: late nights, VHS tapes, and the sense that the UK at the time was just a little cooler. Even without the television tie-in, Elastica would’ve stood out. In a Britpop landscape dominated by lad rock and posturing, they stood out like a ripped fishnet stocking at a prep school reunion. Their lineup alone (a majority-female band in a scene that was anything but) made them look different, but it was their sound that really set them apart. Elastica didn’t borrow from The Beatles or The Kinks like their peers did. They went straight for Wire, The Stranglers, Gang of Four. You can hear that post-punk DNA all over the record—the angular guitar lines in “Line Up,” the clipped, repetitive rhythm guitar in “Connection,” the minimalist groove of “2:1.” It’s like they plucked the sharpest elements of late-‘70s punk and new wave and refashioned them into tight, sardonic pop songs. Musically, Elastica is lean, fast, and focused. No song overstays its welcome. The guitars are jagged but never messy, the drums punchy but never flashy. It’s a record that values efficiency. Songs often end right before you expect them to, leaving you wanting more. The production, mostly handled by Alan Moulder, captures the rawness of a live band in a tiny room without ever sounding lo-fi. It’s punk that is polished just enough to fit on the radio. The highlights are many. “Line Up” is a bratty, brilliant opener. “Stutter” is flirtatious and frantic. “2:1” leans into noir-ish minimalism. “Waking Up” is pure sarcasm wrapped in a sugar pill. And, of course, “Connection” remains the crown jewel. It’s still as addictive, biting, and tightly wound as ever. It's rare for a band's biggest hit to also be their most artistically representative, making “Connection” all the more impactful. Justine Frischmann’s vocals are a key part of the magic. She’s not trying to out-sing anyone. Her delivery is rhythmic, cool, and often purposefully flat. There's a kind of nonchalance in her voice that perfectly mirrors the band’s lyrical themes: disaffection, casual sex, restlessness, the mundanity of urban life. She was a master of deadpan wit. On “Stutter,” she cuts right to the core of an awkward relationship moment with the line, “Is there something you forgot to tell me?” delivered so casually it feels like a shrug in lyric form. Sadly, this debut also turned out to be the band’s high-water mark. Internal struggles, lawsuits (hello, Wire), and the pressures of sudden success tore them apart. Their follow-up, The Menace, wouldn’t arrive until five years later, and it was a messier, less essential listen. That only elevates the legacy of Elastica, an album that manages to encapsulate a moment without ever sounding trapped in it. Looking back, it’s no wonder this record made it into 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. It’s a debut that burns hot, fast, and bright. An album that helped broaden Britpop’s palette and prove that cool didn’t have to shout to be heard. Its influence can still be heard in modern-day indie bands who favor brevity, wit, and wire-tight guitar work over grandeur (I'm Looking at you Wet Leg). In an era of algorithmic bloat, there's something refreshing about an album that gets in, makes its point, and walks out before you’ve even finished your coffee. And for me, it’ll always carry the echo of a man in a giant phone suit screaming “HELLO?” across a silent park.

Enjoyed the record, definitely hearing the similarities to Wire, particularly some of the guitar riffs. Found the album enjoyable throughout with some great post-punk energy mixed with 90s rock.

Upbeat and fun. Sounds a decade earlier than it is but that doesn't detract from it. Enjoyable listen that I won't get upset at youtubemusic for putting it in my algorithm.

Definitely good songs and mood Never listened to then before and I had a cool experience, completely atemporal and fresh. Reminded me a band called Pacifica, I guess that's where Pacifica got inspiration from hahaha.

> the Beatles Really enjoyed this one

Sure, they clearly "ripped off" Wire and The Stranglers, but as a member of The Stranglers said, "so what? Of course there's plagiarism, but unless you live in a vacuum there's always going to be." I dig both. I hear some clear influence on Sleater-Kinney and the like. This kicks ass.

I was unfamiliar with this, but I don't think I should have been. Seems like something I would've listened to before. And it's pretty good, I could see this becoming more of a favorite with more time.

I liked this quite a bit. In general, I'm a big fan of albums that have 15 tunes and clock in at 40 minutes or less. LOL Good energy and a reasonable range of different tunes all within one overarching idiom.

This album has always been very underrated in my opinion. I loved it growing up and still really like it to this day. However, imagine my surprise earlier in this list when I got Pink Flag… still love this album, but that was interesting to learn.

3 or a 4 for me, and I am in a good mood so I’ll stretch it to a 4.

Yas girls!!! Actual vibey musical punk rock!

It feels like the illegitimate child of Sonic Youth and The Ramones playing britpop. And it's way better that what I was expecting. The britpop tropes are not too heavy, the guitar sound is dirty just has it needs to be, it's actually way better than 99% of britpop.

Boooooojm!

Tart, tough, biting and fun -- in some ways, this holds up better than overdone Britpop (definitely better than Blur) and is an authentic "best of the '90s" sort of sound.

I think this is worth another listen - i liked what I heard

8/10. Big sleeper pick, the songs are simple, with memorable riffs, to-the-point and have good vocals. I think maybe I just find punk rock a bit less cringe when non Americans do it. That being said some of the riffs were a bit 'Green Day' (my nemesis) but the vocals definitely put a pleasant spin on it. Massive fan of 'Never Here' and a 'Connection' and probably a few others im forgetting. Overall really surprised me and definitely something I'll go back to.

Zespół brzmi jakby ironicznie się dobrze bawili i nieironicznie to kocham.

Really good.

New wave, grunge son un acierto en la brillante reunión de las cuerdas en la casi totalidad de los temas expuestos. Me gustaron

Very inoffensive rock, but I didn't notice any standout songs. While I don't feel like I need to come back to it, I'd happily listen to the full album again. Annie was probably my favorite out of the bunch, but Blue, See That Animal, and Stutter are also playlist-worthy. I don't like that they apparently ripped off other artists with a few songs, but at least none of those were my favorites. Maybe they would have sounded better if they stuck with original music.

When I was 16 I loved this. I’m. Not sure it’s aged well but it’s still pretty good

I could see myself throwing this album on when working in the yard or garage

as far as I can tell, this band is sort of like a Britpop sidequest, founded by Justine Frischmann and Justin Welch a couple years after they left Suede, a band I've heard of, but I can't say if I ever heard any of their work. (out of Britpop's unofficial "big 4," the States latched onto Blur and Oasis; Pulp and Suede didn't capture nearly as much attention here.) imagine if Hole wrote songs with Wire-esque riffs and song structures, and you sort of have an idea of what Elastica's debut album sounds like (to me, at least). some of the best songs here, much like on Wire's Pink Flag, are only around 90-150 seconds long! as far as 90s indie rock goes, I have a much higher proclivity for the American bands than the British ones, but Elastica has a sound that brings the best from both sides of the pond to the forefront. it's a mixture of grungy, American alt and indie rock textures with the wit and songwriting tropes of British post-punk. I guess I'm saying they're the Strokes before the Strokes. decent 7/10.

This is one of those must haves for those really early in the morning focus sessions. When the project is due EOD and it's 4:30AM and the coffee is just kicking in...Let the Sharpies & Xactos Fly!

"Connection" was omnipresent for a while, like it was put together by a marketing team for maximum impact in the bar 'n' grill background music sector for Q1 '95 , but maybe I never heard anything else by them. The rest of the album sounds like a much more fun band. The songs are barely formed in the best way, each consisting of a good hook, an expertly shoplifted Joy Division or Fall or Stranglers quotation, a cool noise and a sing-song swagger.

The is the first album from this exercise that I was already familiar with beforehand. Elastica's debut was a gateway album for me in more ways than one (ah, the days of reading online zines like Addicted to Noise and realizing for the first time there was a ton of music the radio and MuchMusic weren't going to expose me to), so inevitably whatever score I give it here will be influenced by nostalgia. That said, I think it holds up pretty well. I still love the energy and attitude, and I forgot that the vocals can be surprisingly melodic for the genre. It's maybe 5-10 minutes too long, but it doesn't really matter very much when there's more than enough songs that I still remember fondly decades later, like the moody extraterrestrial atmospherics of "Car Song," the blink-and-you'll-miss-it rollercoaster of "Annie," and the vaguely woozy swagger of "Hold Me Now."

First off, 16 songs in 40 minutes? You're speaking my language. Only four tracks come in at longer than three minutes? Beautiful. Even though half the band came from Suede they don't let that hinder them, this act manages to be worlds more interesting. I've heard this album a few times, years and years ago, but found a lot that I still enjoyed. Metric tons of bops. And while the songs sound similar, the don't sound the same. There's a minor chord here, a spotlighted riff there, paired vocals sometimes but not too much so it gets old. It's a shame the last track left me cold, which was notable because everything else rated so hot.

Here we have a 90s British band with a couple hit singles that failed to materialize much of a career after their first record. A perfect recipe for a completely missable 1001 Albums entry. Except here's the thing: this whole album is a bop! It's weird to call a record that quickly set sales records "underrated", but I don't see Elastica (the album or band) get talked about the same way Suede (the album or band) does today—which is a shame, because to my ears this is clearly the funner listen.

I think this is as good as classic Buzzcocks, even though it's borrowing heavily from other post-punk classics. "Waking up" is the Stranglers "No more Heroes", Connection is Wire's "three girl rhumba", etc. While relistening, I noticed "blue" is similar to siouxsie's "Mirage". there are likely other borrowings I can't place. BUT IT DOESNT MATTER because all the songs are catchy, not too long, and still sounds great 30 (?!) years later.

So...I never knew Elastica was British. That likely explains why they are on this list. :/ I see a lot of criticism that they ripped off Wire and Buzzcocks. I don't undertand how that's something to criticize. That seems like two excellent bands to rip off. I would have lumped them into grunge in the past but after giving this a new listen, they're definitely coming at it from a very different angle. And it's a good angle. I like it! I've always like the singles that came off of this one and after giving the entire album a thorough listen, I like it!

Interesting and well produced femme punk

Great album, I really enjoyed this. Much more upbeat than a lot of other music this era, including other Brit Pop. Some of it is quite funky, with my favorite being Car Song and S.O.F.T.. I like this car song a lot more than the Queen one I listened to a couple days ago. Some Franz Ferdinand present here.

great stuff britpop meets alt rock

I had first heard this album a couple of years ago and quite liked it. I was mistaken in thinking it was a late 70’s / early 80’s album rather than a product of early Britpop. Very solid album from beginning to end.

It's the first album who made me openly think that "woaw, all of this was too short!"... but still, it had a lot of energy and catchy melodies.

Most of the songs in this exquisite record are slices of the human experience that the band serves up in quick yet satisfying bursts. https://open.substack.com/pub/richcain/p/project-1001-elastica-by-elastica?r=4ztyq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

line up kenni vo iwo hani s gfühl? bin jz bi soft und finds na e cooli mischig usem "dreck" vo punk und melodie blue chli punkiger und geile gegesatz mite harmonie vode sängerin ahh en "blueprint" für britpop seg das gsi? ahh sie chömmed vo suede jz macht natürlich alles sinn, die Inzucht der Musikkritik BASS 2:1 findi glaub s highlight öh scho fertig? sehr churzwiilig gsi! aso wenni ehrlich bin hani rig scho gnueg brit pop glost uf dere liste aber hans super gfunde

I was great! I got really into it. Fun, upbeat, tight. Made good running music

Good stuff. It wasn't all hits but generally pretty fun.

Very solid flowing hard rock, great bass

Very good

Uno de los mayores éxtios del Brit Pop, uno de los discos de debut mejor vendidos de la historia, portadas, romances, etc, etc. Detrás de esto hay un buen disco, con alguna notable canción: Wake Up, una gloriosa Blue,la pícara Stuter, Connection, 2:1, Line up, Vaseline... y la sensación de que el grupo podía haber publicado algún que otro disco. Sin embargo, se quedó en eso: disco y adiós (hasta The Menace en el 2000, que fue el canto del cisne). No hay que quitarle méritos, en cierto modo fueron las Runaways o las Bangles de los 90, que no es poco. Justine tiene historias para aburrir (formó Suede, compartía piso con MIA...) y el hecho de tener influencias obvias (acuerdos extrajudiciales por medio) no les quita valor, si no lo ha restado a Oasis o tantos otros (Led Zepellin...). Never Here sigue sonando igual de bien (a Pixies y JAMC) décadas después. Disco disfrutable, pero no es una obra maestra. Es algo más simple: lo pones y tarareas, es mucho más que la mayoría de discos.

Some great mid 90s sound. Distortion rock done right!

"Elastica" is the debut album by English alternative rock band Elastica. The Wiki-listed genres are Britpop and post-punk with some critics also calling it new wave. The album was produced by Mike Waterman. The bandmembers include Justine Frishmann (vocals, guitar), Donna Matthews (vocals, guitar), Annie Holland (bass) and Justin Welch (drums). The album was well-received critically and was nominated for the UK Mercury Prize. Commercially, it hit #1 in the UK. Straining guitar riffs open "Line Up." A deep bass and retching vocals throughout the song. It's the stuff (music industry) that makes Justine sick. "Connection" starts with feedback and guitar sounding electronic(if that makes sense). A bouncey bass and rhythm section. Yeah, that synth sounds a lot like Wire's "Three Girl Rhumba." Love is a gamble. Their fifth single "Car Song" has a synth, a siren-sounding guitar and more deep bass. I always like a siren-sounding guitar. Oh, it's about sex in a car, I think. Swirling layered guitars and a great guitar solo highlight "Waking Up." Layered vocals and a prominent bass. People compare this song to the Stranglers. I can see that. A song about apathy and laziness. The band unleashes their punk side in "Stutter." Authoritative lead vocals by Justine as she's pushing someone away in a failing relationship. Go'Go's-ish backing vocals. This is a great song. The album closes with "Vaseline." I see they're Blondie fans with that vocal chorus. I wonder what she needs Vaseline for???? This album is a lot more rockin' than modt if the Britpop that I've listened to. There's an edginess to the music especially the guitars that reminded me of the Pixies. And with 16 songs in 40 minutes, this album scoots along. Most songs are catchy. A nice mix to the sound; the bass really stands out. This is a really good album and one that has aged pretty well too.

Very fine punk rock - like it.

Yeah I dig it

"Make a cup of tea. Put a record on!" What a good idea, especially when the record is as good as this. Chock full of fun short Britpop songs. Favourites include the hits, Line up, Connection and Waking Up. Also 2:1 and All-nighter. Took me back to mid-90s student days which is never a bad thing.

I can see from quite a few reviews that there are quire a few accusations of plagiarism flying about some of the songs on this album. And admittedly I can see where this is coming from, 'waking up' is clearly derivative of the Stranglers as 'connection' is of Wire. But that said and done, as Brit Pop albums go, this stands put quite well. It's a debut album and the album contains some big hitters, connection, line up, stutter etc... It makes a change from the gloom of early 90s grunge and as a mostly female outfit they deserve credit for trying to break through the predominant 'ladist' culture of the time. And hey boomer! Before you get on your high horse droning on about girly copycats, have a quick look up Led Zep and them plagiarising Willie Dixon, Howlin Wolf and many others. Not knocking the Zep, just sayin' that's all! 4 stars from me

Blijkbaar komen niet alle riffs van Elastica uit eigen pen. Gejat en gekopieerd van Wire en the Stranglers zijn ze halverwege de nineties misschien niet de meest unieke band. Maar het past binnen deze tijd wel heel erg om dit tof te vinden. Schijnbaar was dit het populairste Britse debuut na Oasis en voor the Arctic Monkeys. Het hoeft niet origineel om goed te zijn... En ik moet zeggen. Veel van dit soort bands escaleren vaak de bocht uit. Dat is waarom ik niet heel graag een plaat van Sonic Youth aan zet en the Pixies in gezelschappen ook vaak een tandje zachter moeten (looking at you Juul). Elastica heeft dat niet. Het is vuig en rammelend en vliegt niet de bocht uit. Ik ben wel enthousiast! 8/10 Waking Up Connection

It wears its influences on its sleeve but it is still enjoyable. I liked it more than other albums from the era, garbage for example

hell yeah best song: waking up worst song: connection

Very good. Enjoyed this a lot

Een soort post-punk als je luistert naar de muzikale opzet en het stemgeluid. Maar tegelijk is dit geen muziek dat uitstraalt dat het in een schuurtje is opgenomen. Het stemgebruik bij bijvoorbeeld Connection lijkt mij meer een knipoog naar die punk. Een soort zelfspot? Ik moet even wennen, maar het is uiteindelijk ook wel erg pakkend, wat pop-achtig. Je knikt snel mee met je hoofd bij bij zo'n nummer als Car Song. Het lukt me ook wel om aan die stem te wennen. Wie weet, zet ik dit zomaar nog eens aan.

Ik had nog nooit van Elastica gehoord (wel van Suede uiteraard, die we al eerder hebben mogen beluisteren), maar ik hoor hier wel allerlei bekende stromingen uit de 90s in terug. Punk(rock), britpop, grunge, noem het maar op. En dan met een frontvrouw ga je al snel de vergelijking trekken met bands als Garbage en Hole. Of later Melissa auf der Maur, aanrader trouwens als je van dit soort muziek en/of Smashing Pumpkins houdt. Niet onverdienstelijk moet ik zeggen. Het klinkt een beetje vuig af en toe, lekkere rauwe en gruizige grunge. De gitaren staan sowieso volle bak op distortion. De zang doen ze geen gekke dingen mee, zoals de zanger van Suede wel eens uit de band wilde springen. De zang is hier niet bedoeld om irritant op te vallen, zoals zo vaak het geval is bij zeurderige britse stemmen. En dat is een pluspunt. Ik hoor het allemaal voor de eerste keer en het klinkt als een plaatje dat al 20 jaar in mijn playlistjes voorbij zou kunnen komen. Gek genoeg (her)ken ik dus geen enkel nummer, ook niet van een cover, en is dit dus in vergetelheid geraakt. Ook bij huisradio K!NK komt er niks van voorbij. Alhoewel, heel misschien "Stutter", klaarblijkelijk hun 'grootste' hit. Ik lees overigens dat er controverse ontstaan zou zijn, omdat sommige nummers lijken op nummers van the Wire en the Stranglers. Ik moet zeggen, nu ik het weet, herken ik het er wel in. Maar goed, beter goed gejat dan slecht bedacht. Ik denk er over om het lekker een 4 te geven.

Fun and catchy. I remember a few of these songs from back in the day

I saw Britpop and was filled with dread but this was actually pretty great! Had enough of an edge to get me invested.

Awesome album. Music is ultimately entertainment and this one was fun from start to finish. Favorite Songs: Stutter, S.O.F.T., Connections

Ignoring the fairly blatant plagiarism, 'Elastica' is a great album. It really shows where new wave and post punk transformed into Brit Pop, but it does a far better job than most others. Blur is great but if I'm being honest, they don't have any albums that can match this one (although they have some amazing singles). There's so much variety and energy here. There's also loads of unmet potential if I'm being honest. With the right producer, this could have been an absolute classic and there are hints of greatness. It's all mixes well together but doesn't quite melt into one whole the way I'd like it to. Still, there's a lot to love here.

Solid album with alot of punchy brit-rock female led songs. Drags at times but there's enough here to warrant a 4-star. Connection (radio hit) and 2:1 are the standouts IMO.

Elastica is a brit-pop band, and their self-titled debut was a critical and commercial success. Their guitar driven, alt-rock adds a rare element - a female lead singer in an alt-rock band - with Justine Frischmann's vocals. Her melodic voice has a hint of the snarl of punk, adding to the band's edgy sound. This album includes "Stutter" and "Connections," two of the band's biggest hits. These songs, like the rest of the tracks on the album, are engaging and upbeat, and are of an interesting version of 90's pop.

If you base your expectations on the hit single “Connection,” you’ll be surprised to discover that the rest of the album isn’t as poppy. It definitely has a pop edge, but it’s also punchy with strong grunge and punk rock influences, which took me by surprise on my first listen. This album is always fun to revisit, especially when you’re in the mood for something catchy and melodic that still retains a raw, edgy vibe.

Неплохой рок. Песня Connection понравилась

8/10…90er indie / britischer rock

95 baby 4

I really like this album and it's exactly why I am doing this project. I have no ties to Elastica, but there are 2 songs off of this that I have heard A LOT and know them quite well and love them (Connection and Car Song). But I would never have been able to tell you who performed those songs. A huge blind spot corrected, thanks 1001. I wonder if this would have been a 5 if I had this album for 30 years ... right now it's a:

Pretty good straight rock album. Some really good sounds, and some nice, unappologic rock. Yeah it's probably a little derivative, but it's tough to not be anymore with the entire rock genre.

Never heard of this group before but I was pleasantly surprised. Great 90s rock that felt more contemporary than the other 90s rock I've listened to

Pretty good alternative album. Interested in hearing more of their stuff.

I really liked this. Had the quintessential 90s grunge feel to it.

É um bom album, mas acho que eles tava meio receosos de fazer rock mesmo. Ficaram muito no "quase". Só não senti isso em Line Up e Waking Up, que foram mais UP. Never Here também é boa.

*insira imagem da caveirinha rockeira falando "quem ai é do rock?"* destaques: S.O.F.T, Connection e Stutter

Super good. This band should have been much bigger than they were.

A lot of borrowing, but it's a sharp, scuzzy sounding album, nothing outstaying its welcome, and some really solid songs.

They brought an original sound with them at the height of Britpop and deserved their success. Britpop is very tied to the 90s and not sure it sounds quite as fresh now, but still deserves a listen. 4/5

A little experimentation on their songs. Note bad at all.

Yes, please.

Fast short songs at the center of Britpop.

For as much as I enjoyed this album on the surface level, I couldn't help but wish that it was a bit more varied by the end of it. This album is tagged as Britpop, but this cover made me think there was more to the story. I was right. Songs like 'Blue' and especially 'Connection' sound like the kind of alternative rock songs that would (and did) easily blow up during the genre's peak while I'd say a song like 'All-Nighter' leans more towards typical Britpop in its lead melody and background vocals. Instrumentally though, you're still getting unfiltered punk throughout this thing. Some parts reminded me a lot of PJ Harvey's earlier works and also Blur who I know were close affiliates with the band (with Damon having dated Justine). My favorite song might be 'Waking Up' which is driven by the densest wall of guitars on the album. Lyrically it paints this image of someone living an unfulfilled life and refusing to continue if things don't change. Again I do wish it was all a bit more varied but there were too many great songs, riffs, and lyrics here for that to be a real negative. Justine is such a great front-lady and she certainly gives this album a unique charm that wouldn't have been present otherwise.

LOVELY. 4/5

If you base your expectations on the hit single “Connection,” you’ll be surprised to discover that the rest of the album isn’t as poppy. It definitely has a pop edge, but it’s also punchy with strong grunge and punk rock influences, which took me by surprise on my first listen. This album is always fun to revisit, especially when you’re in the mood for something catchy and melodic that still retains a raw, edgy vibe.

That’s a strong debut, B side is stacked. All-Nighter and Waking Up make a great back-to-back twofer. I do remember Connection when it came out. Elastica, very Blondie-esque, comes in at (3.7*s)

Haven’t heard it in a while, and I like it! Not typically a fan of female punkers. Call me sexist, but they typically screech too much. These ladies sounds sultry, melodic, and pissed. And the rock it with authority. More listens required!

Take out “Indian Song” and this album pretty much rocks front to back. My algorithm has failed me by never suggesting Elastica before. I was vaguely aware of them but I had them pegged as an 80s pop band but they’re a lot closer to Everclear than the Bangles

I groaned when I saw the words British alt rock, but this felt more like punk to me and I thought it was pretty good. Light 4.

Really cool album with a lot of great songs. "Connection" has a very nostalgic feel. I enjoyed this a lot.

I love the joyous, expansive noisosity. Elastica's "Connection" is an all time favorite of mine. The heavy "BEWM" on the hook counterbalanced by the siren guitar is brilliant. "2:1" is another great track. Car Song is really sexy. I'm really surprised by this album. Comes on fast, hits hard. It was over too quick. So much fun to hear.

What can I say? I’m a sucker for sassy girl bands.

4.25

More punk than Britpop, I think this still stands up really well 30 years on, plagiarism claims or not. Short and sharp with strong melodies, the songs sparkle, and Justine Frischmann is a great frontwoman for what is a pretty tight band. I had a good time with this.

Sehr geradliniges rotziges album. Knackig, punkig mit allen Ecken und Kanten. Wow.

Another britpop album on the list, and Robert Dimery owes me another dime. Despite my initial dread, I realized that there's something different about Elastica! I hadn't even realized before how cis men dominated the brit pop scene before hearing this album, but gosh this album is like a breath of fresh air after listening to the same damn britpop album the last 200 or so. Most times, Elastica's self-titled album feels more punk than britpop. And even when they aren't punk, they have a catchy pop sound or a goth/mysterious vibe. The vocals are right on for this kind of music, too--and it's on the cusp of alt, too. The guitar riffs, frankly, kick ass. The songs that had solo guitar intros were absolutely banger songs.

Alternative post punk from 95. Iconic and powerful songs.

Love the guitarist’s edgy sound on his guitar and unique riffs. I’ve always liked the singers’s voice and vocal style. A lot of mid90s Alternative. Good sound. Gotta like it.

This is another 3.5 for me. It’s such a perfect slice of mid 90s

Nothing short of great. This is post punk at its core, with some pop mixed in, all done well. Only knock is that it came late to the party

Stuff I liked. Some stuff not as much. Overall enjoyed it though. Will I listen to again: 75%

Enjoyed this quite a bit - nothing like some high energy girlpunk to get you through the day! Best Track: Vaseline Worst Track: S.O.F.T.

Best Song: Connection Worst Song: Indian Song

Enjoyed that actually, never heard anything but the Trigger Happy theme tune. Amazed at how well it did, beating Oasis to the fastest selling album... It's good but not that good. Decent blend of punk, britpop, rock etc. torn between 3 and 4*

I mean… it’s great but it’s not one of the 1001 albums you must hear before you die is it? There’s Blondie or The Wire or even The Fall that did it first. 4/5 fun fact, during one summer at uni I did early shifts at magna park with an ex estate agent who got sacked for doing coke in the office. His claim to fame was selling a big house in Warwickshire to the drummer from Elastica.

I listen to this record a lot. However I will admit not sure it’s 1001 material for me.

4 por Cannonball

This is a very fun album, sounding very new wave/punky but somehow being from the mid-nineties. I was always a fan of the song "Connection."

This was a nice blast from the past. Did I have this album or was it just someone I knew who had the album??? By the end the thrill of nostalgia had died though.

I don’t think I ever heard this band before, but it is a nice contrast to a lot of the other mid-90s rock offerings with a great female lead. Great!

4 por Cannonball.

So many hits from the same band that I never realized.

Quintessential 90's rock album. I'm surprised I've never checked it out before. I read some reviews about how they ripped off Wire, and then I went to check it out... Wow, you all are wild. They used a similar riff, and if anything improved upon it. This is not uncommon in music, and many good things have come from it, including this album. This is a good album. I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Really good album but a short lived band.

a nice throwback to late 70s post punk. There’s even a nod to the band Wire on here. A fun little album that always puts a smile on my face!

This sounded *very* nineties. In a good way.

Fun, catchy Britpop music from a mostly female band. I somehow knew "Connection", probably because it's on some Spotify playlists. The rest of the album is good, too. A quick, fun record to spin.

Not all the 90s britpop bands wanted to sound like Status Quo in the 70s or The Kinks in the 60s. Some went back to 1978's New Wave instead. As someone who only really knew The Stranglers from that era at the time I found this really exciting and fresh. Throw in the 'three girls in a band' which was all too rare, and the attitude, and I was sold. Obviously they nicked loads of this wholesale from Wire, but it's still great. And Stutter is the best song here by a million miles, stands up today. First thing I heard of them, that video in the white room. I fell in love instantly.

## In-Depth Review of "Elastica" by Elastica ### Introduction Released in 1995, "Elastica" by the British alternative rock band Elastica is a seminal album in the Britpop and post-punk revival genres. The album, produced by Marc Waterman and the band, is celebrated for its raw energy, concise songwriting, and edgy sound. The band, fronted by Justine Frischmann, made a significant impact with this debut, which features a blend of punk rock ethos, catchy melodies, and minimalist production. This review will delve into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, providing a balanced view by discussing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrics on "Elastica" are characterized by their directness and wit. Justine Frischmann's songwriting often explores themes of relationships, urban life, and personal identity with a frank and sometimes cynical tone. #### Pros: 1. **Conciseness and Wit**: The lyrics are succinct and sharp, often delivering powerful messages in just a few lines. Songs like "Connection" and "Stutter" showcase Frischmann's ability to convey complex emotions and scenarios with brevity. 2. **Relatable Themes**: The exploration of themes such as desire, disillusionment, and social commentary makes the lyrics relatable to a wide audience. For instance, "Waking Up" discusses the monotony of daily life and the yearning for change. 3. **Female Perspective**: The album stands out for its strong female perspective, particularly in the male-dominated rock scene of the 90s. Tracks like "Stutter" address female sexuality and empowerment in a straightforward manner. #### Cons: 1. **Occasional Vagueness**: Some lyrics can feel vague or underdeveloped, leaving listeners wanting more depth or clarity. For example, "Line Up" has an intriguing premise but lacks deeper exploration. 2. **Repetitiveness**: The lyrical themes, while relatable, can sometimes feel repetitive across the album, lacking the diversity that could have elevated the narrative complexity. ### Music Musically, "Elastica" is a blend of punk rock, new wave, and post-punk influences. The band's sound is marked by jagged guitar riffs, punchy bass lines, and tight drumming, all delivered with a raw, energetic performance. #### Pros: 1. **Energetic and Catchy**: The album is packed with high-energy tracks that are both catchy and memorable. "Connection" and "Car Song" are prime examples of this, featuring infectious hooks and driving rhythms. 2. **Minimalist Approach**: The minimalist approach to instrumentation and arrangement works well, giving the songs a raw, unpolished feel that enhances their punk rock edge. The stripped-down sound of "Blue" and "Annie" exemplifies this. 3. **Versatility**: Despite its punk rock core, the album displays versatility in its musical influences. "2:1" incorporates a more new wave sound, while "Never Here" shows a slower, more introspective side of the band. #### Cons: 1. **Homogeneity**: The album's sound can sometimes feel homogeneous, with many tracks adhering to a similar formula of fast tempos and angular guitar riffs. This can make the album feel monotonous over its 15 tracks. 2. **Lack of Innovation**: While the music is energetic and well-executed, it doesn't necessarily push the boundaries of the genres it draws from. Comparisons to other bands like Wire and The Stranglers are frequent, suggesting a lack of originality. ### Production The production of "Elastica" is characterized by its lo-fi, DIY aesthetic. Marc Waterman and the band aimed for a sound that was raw and immediate, avoiding the polished production common in mainstream rock at the time. #### Pros: 1. **Authenticity**: The lo-fi production adds to the album's authenticity and punk rock ethos. The raw sound quality makes the music feel more immediate and visceral, capturing the energy of the band's live performances. 2. **Cohesion**: The consistent production style across the album helps to create a cohesive listening experience. The rough edges and occasional imperfections contribute to the album's charm and character. #### Cons: 1. **Technical Limitations**: The lo-fi approach, while adding to the album's authenticity, also means that some tracks suffer from technical limitations. The sound can be muddy or uneven at times, detracting from the overall listening experience. 2. **Lack of Depth**: The minimalist production can sometimes result in a lack of depth and complexity in the sound. There are moments where additional layers or a more polished mix could have enhanced the songs. ### Themes The themes of "Elastica" revolve around personal relationships, societal observations, and individual identity. The album's lyrics often reflect the angst and disillusionment of young adulthood, set against the backdrop of 90s urban life. #### Pros: 1. **Relevance**: The themes explored on the album remain relevant and relatable, resonating with listeners' experiences of love, frustration, and societal pressures. 2. **Diverse Perspectives**: The album offers diverse perspectives on its themes, ranging from the personal and introspective ("Never Here") to the outwardly critical ("Waking Up"). #### Cons: 1. **Surface-Level Exploration**: While the themes are relevant, their exploration can sometimes feel surface-level. There is a lack of deeper introspection or nuanced commentary, which could have added more layers to the album's narrative. 2. **Predictability**: Some thematic elements are predictable and do not venture far from the well-trodden paths of rock lyricism, potentially limiting the album's impact. ### Influence "Elastica" has had a notable influence on the Britpop movement and the wider alternative rock scene. Its success helped to pave the way for other female-fronted bands and brought a fresh, punk-inspired sound to the mid-90s music landscape. #### Pros: 1. **Pioneering Role**: The album played a pioneering role in the Britpop movement, influencing numerous bands that followed. Its success demonstrated the viability of raw, punk-influenced rock in a predominantly polished pop era. 2. **Inspiring Female Musicians**: "Elastica" has inspired many female musicians and bands, contributing to greater gender diversity in the rock genre. Justine Frischmann's unapologetic presence and songwriting have been particularly influential. #### Cons: 1. **Overshadowed by Contemporaries**: Despite its influence, "Elastica" is sometimes overshadowed by contemporaries like Blur and Oasis, whose commercial success and media presence were more prominent. 2. **Short-Lived Impact**: The band's relatively short career and the lack of a follow-up that matched the debut's impact have somewhat limited the album's long-term influence. ### Pros and Cons Summary #### Pros: 1. **Energetic and Catchy Music**: High-energy tracks with memorable hooks. 2. **Authentic Production**: Lo-fi production adds authenticity and captures live energy. 3. **Relatable Themes**: Lyrics explore relevant and relatable themes with wit and brevity. 4. **Influential Role**: Significant influence on Britpop and female-fronted rock bands. #### Cons: 1. **Homogeneous Sound**: Similarity across tracks can lead to monotony. 2. **Technical Limitations**: Lo-fi production sometimes results in muddy sound quality. 3. **Surface-Level Themes**: Themes could benefit from deeper exploration and nuance. 4. **Short-Lived Impact**: Limited long-term influence due to the band's brief career. ### Conclusion "Elastica" by Elastica is a powerful debut album that captures the spirit of the mid-90s Britpop and post-punk revival scenes. Its energetic music, sharp lyrics, and authentic production make it a standout record, despite some limitations in thematic depth and production quality. The album's influence on subsequent bands and its role in promoting gender diversity in rock music are significant. Overall, "Elastica" remains a vital and influential album that continues to resonate with listeners, showcasing the enduring appeal of its raw, unpolished charm.

This album is just very cool

Enjoyed this one today. I think eventually it could slide down to a 3.5 in my view but today I felt a 4. I like this style

Really good - 4 stars

Fun, brash and trashy. "The Connection" is great. "Indian Song" offers something likably different. Holds up better than Blur, surely, and Oasis ain't got much if anything over this lot.

remind me of the beaches

I've listened to this twice in two days. I really enjoy the sound and the album is very consistent. I'm adding this to my collection of regular albums to cycle through. However, I don't see this as a 5.

Heaps fun. Loved it 20 years ago. It has certainly aged better than what Id have imagined

I liked it!

While this is about 15 years too late to be post-punk and 5 years too early for the post-punk revival, it’s a better fit with either of those than it is with the Britpop genre it is so frequently pigeonholed as. Pretty solid, and I’ll take it over Oasis anytime.

A mediados de los 90 Elastica renovó el sonido new wave y el punk rock añadiéndoles una sensibilidad más pop. Los ganchos melódicos de su gran éxito, "Connection, evidencian esa intención. También el sonido universal de la muy punki "Waking Up". La sexualidad de su cantante, Justine Frischmann, es sólo un añadido extra en canciones como "Car Song" (en la que consigue que el sexo en un coche suene sexy de verdad), "Stutter" (en la que despotrica sobre la impotencia de su novio), "Line Up" (en la que clama contra las groupies) o "Vaseline" (en la que el título ya lo dice todo). Todo el disco suena compacto, con riffs de guitarra cortantes, melodías que recuerdan al mejor Blondie, y la dureza punk en su justa medida.

Aw yeah, more female-vocal punk stuff. I dug the hell out of this—maybe even a little bit more than DIG ME OUT, honestly. And for that, I think I hafta credit the Britpop sheen that's over this album. The riffs, the vocals... I jus' think it's fun stuff, y'know? I've loved every Britpop album my group has gotten so far, and this is no exception. And thus, I've paid the whole "WIRE copying" thing exactly as much attention as I think it deserves.

Love me some 90s alternative.

It’s a 3.5 that I’ll bump up to a 4. It’s pretty good; I think the first half of the album is a bit generic at times, but I really enjoyed the back half of the album. I thought it had way more energy to it. However, when this album kinda hits those generic lulls, it’s just not that sonically pleasing; the guitar can overwhelm the vocals, or the percussion can overwhelm the guitar, or some other rock/paper/scissors type of connection with those 3 elements. When this album clicks and those 3 are in harmony, it’s really nice. Even when it’s not clicking in full, it’s usually hitting on 2 of those 3, and it makes for a fine enough listen. It didn’t really do enough to ever feel like it was close to a 5, but it’s pretty good regardless, and I think a 4 feels about right.

How have I never heard of this band before, why do they only have two albums, and why wasn't their second album as good as this one? Gosh dang.

Super skeptical of this when it came up. A band I have never heard of. But saw they were nominated for The Mercury Prize which seems to be an automatic inclusion on this list. And then saw it has ex-Suede members, and my expectations dropped considerably. I was pleasantly surprised though, this album just kind of straight up rocks and was a lot of fun. Really enjoyed it.

First listen Saved 10/16 Top track: Stutter

3.5

Really enjoyed this one! '90s punk-y rock band, so definitely later in that space, but they've got a unique sound to me, something sharp that cuts through the noise. Part of it may be the female vocalist, which seems less common (though we've had albums from Le Tigre, X-Ray Spex, and Sleater Kinney as well). Love that there are a few women in this band. I think I liked this more than most of those other ones though, some great melodies and great energy. Favorite tracks: Annie, SOFT, All-Nighter, Stutter, Never Here. Album art: Actually really cool band photo, great contrast, the bandmates look cool as hell, I'd wanna hang with them. Font is nice too. 4/5

Kurzweiliges Britpop Album mit einer rockigen Note und einer charaktervollen Frauenstimme. Die Songs sind aufeinander gut abgestimmt und lassen sich wie im Fluge durchhören. „Connection“ ist ein Highlight und markant für die kreativen Indi-Songs der 90er sehr gut auch „Never Here“.

I enjoyed this and wpuldve been a fan in the 90s. I actually didn't mind the ropey production as it seemed to play to the slightly post punk sound. Short songs, overall good listen

I would have been a big fan of this at the time if I'd been aware. Big fan now actually having caught up

Pretty nice, standard rock.

Decent ‘90s rock. For whatever reason, “Indian Song” stood out to me as the turning point on the album, after which the songs got a lot more interesting. The vocalist was fine, but the songs didn’t demand much of her, which I’d like to see improved.

this was a lot of fun and short and sweet! i dig it!

neat little album. feels like a big stew of bands and genres i enjoy, like a new-wave-y, punky, grungy, alt-rock-y mess (affectionate). certain songs sound like garbage (the band), eve 6, and even they might be giants. nothing overstays its welcome and the songs all sound pretty different from each other. favorites: connection, car song, waking up, 2:1, stutter

I can always listen to this.

Jävligt bra faktiskt. Trodde inte jag fuckade med punk på detta sättet

This was pretty fun, I'd never even heard of this band before. Seems very odd for it to be tagged as "britpop" though. Not what I'd have called it.

Very fine

"Elastica" by Elastica is a quintessential album of the '90s Britpop scene, showcasing the band's edgy sound and infectious energy. Released in 1995, the album is a masterclass in minimalist, hook-laden rock that draws heavily from punk and new wave influences. Tracks like "Connection," "Line Up," and "Stutter" are standout examples of the band's knack for crafting catchy, angular songs that are both instantly accessible and fiercely original. The album's short, punchy songs and Justine Frischmann's deadpan vocals give it a distinctive sound that sets it apart from its contemporaries. While some critics have accused Elastica of borrowing too heavily from other artists, the band's ability to distill their influences into a cohesive, compelling sound is undeniable. "Elastica" is a testament to the power of great songwriting and confident musicianship, earning it a solid 4/5 rating.

favourite song: 2:1 really dont get so many reviewers on here’s apparent aversion to britpop. this is fun! its cool! sure maybe they ripped off wire. but wire are great! surely sounding like wire is a good thing. unrelated to this album since it is undoubtedly britpop but i see so many reviews lambasting albums for being britpop that just are not britpop. people hate britpop without knowing what it is. anyway, 4 stars!

Amazing album I love it. Sadly I could never give it 5 stars but it’s just such a nice simple album about simple problems done really well. Stand out songs: Connection Car Song Blue

Joyful. Not as good as Echobelly, but still great to listen to. Also made me go and watch some trigger happy TV episodes as an added bonus.

this album is really fun. some songs felt slightly repetitive, but others make up for it. i’ll definitely listen to some of the songs again.

Thanks for introducing me Wire in a roundabout way!

Fine 90s alt rock album

Hyvää vihaista teini musiikkia mutta kypsää kuitenkin ja varmaan tässä on ihan ok lyriikat ainakin vaikuttaa kun ei osunut korvaan mitään huonoakaan, ja vaikken lyriikoista tiedäkkään niin uskon kyllä että oli vilpittömästi varmaan hyvät. Ei harmillisesti jäänyt mitään hyvää biisiä mieleen kun samalla tässä kirjoittelin kuunnellessa aivan hullua argumentoivaa esseetä. Mutta uskon että jos kuuntelisin tarkemmmin toisen kerran joku biiseistä voisi hyvällä tod. näköisyydellä yltää tasolle josta voin antaa albumille 4 tähteä eli olisi ainakin yksi pamaus biisi..

If you need to show someone how the 90ies sounded and also hammer home that they happened 30 years ago, play them this. See also: Zeitgeist, this, that. Music like one ring in a tree trunk. Started listening with a 'Bleh', but I tuned into the vibe. Maybe just because of how much of a document this is. In a good way, turns out.

Giving this a four star, not so much because I think it’s extra great 90s britpop, but because it was one of a handful of cassettes I I bought at Housework’s in Iowa City (wondering if any of the others will make the list.) I listened to this a lot in my Walkman around campus and in shitty Topaze I drove to Des Moines and back when my future wife moved back home. Anyway these songs totally rock.

Wasn’t expecting a lot, but this album stayed a consistently good quality throughout. It’s a pretty good rock album that has some energy behind it.

You know the generator is up to something when you get Elastica so soon after the two Blur albums. I love this A LOT. New wave? Really great post-punk, power-pop. A real headbanger, one of my favorites so far. No complaints, but with 16 songs you do get some monotony into the middle. A bit saucy and a blast of energy. I'd say a lot more about this but I'm falling behind in my listening so I gotta move on. Listen to Stutter.

I dig it. Only knew that one song, but it’s not my favorite on the album. I like the more raw girl punk sound. Rock on!

Surprisingly good album start to finish. Standout tracks - Line Up, Car Song, Smile, Stutter

Great to hear the old Brit pop sound.

Very decent album - a 3 generally but Connection and Waking Up are both brilliant songs.

4/5

Loved it

great, underrated even

Super enjoyable britpop :)

I enjoyed this more than expected. I guess I gotta check out Wire (no clue who they are, as I am not well-versed in the punk genre), then.

I listened to this album twice and I liked it. It’s a whole different style than I’m used to but I liked it. 4 of 5

Surprised I’ve never heard of them prior, very solid punk/alt rock Brit pop. Lots of great songs, added to playlists etc… 4/5 as the middle of the album was less memorable compared to the key start and final songs.

I like it, if I am in the right mood, cleaning the house! 4 stars

This was surprisingly good. Classically 90s.

Raw! Great album! 3.8

amazing performances and catchy songs

WOW. Awesome album. Love their sound. Great energy and each song is a gem. reminded me of buzzcocks.

This sounds like the cover looks but slightly more awesome

Good tunes!

Solid album. If I'm going to listen to Pop punk this is how I like it. Short and to the point with fat basslines. I remember hearing the 'hit song' in the 90's but didn't remember the band name.

Liked the album, last song made me chuckle and got one more star out of me.

Decent 90s Alt album

nice. sounds like every other alt. girl band of the era. good stuff

A fast paces rocky album with quick songs that scratch that post punk alt rock itch pretty good.

Fun album. Very 90s but not in a bad way.

It just had to be one of the more fortuitous happenings in all of British music, a successful occasion when the muse of two of the most prominent Britpop bands decided to pick up a guitar, write songs, form a band and turn everything on its head. Perhaps the textbook example of what Britpop was supposed to be (smart, innovative, forward-thinking, indebted to post-punk), Elastica is an occasionally exhilarating showcase with moments of levity masked in slower approaches in certain compositions. One of the finest highlights of British music in 1995. Favorites: Line Up, Connection, Car Song, S.O.F.T., Indian Song, Blue, All-Nighter, Waking Up, 2:1, See That Animal, Stutter, Never Here.

This album is the soundtrack of my first sexual experiences. 8/10

Sehr starkes Punk/Indie Album, das einfach viel Spaß beim Hören macht. Klare 4

Actually this was really good. Good combination of punk and new wave with some electronica. I'd listen to a few of these songs again.

Day 110 Back then, in Italy, Elastica was deemed to be part of the "new wave of the new wave" scene; I didn't pay much attempted to them, because why, I could listen to the original new wave bands, right? Well no, I was wrong, this is an amazing album that has everything I could ask for: catchy hooks, great playing, great songwriting, a lots of that youthful energy that never hurts.

Pretty great stuff! Really enjoy listening to this.

90s alt rock. A few familiar tracks.

Elastica's debut record is a perfect blend of brit-pop, punk and post-punk. It has a new-wave-like quality without ever sacrificing solid melodies and instrumentation for gimmicks and forced quirkiness. At centre of it all stands Justine Frischmann, perhaps the most overlooked influential character in britpop history. After forming Suede, she went on to create one of the best selling debuts in UK history and be a constant source of inspiration for Mr. Dan Abnormal who also features on keys here. It's difficult, because while she was the muse behind 'Tender', she's apparently also responsible for M.I.A., and I don't know what to make of that.

Elastica manages to perfectly blend britpop and punk in an unholy union that just works. Justine Frischmann and Donna Matthews are both excellent songwriters and with a few touches of Dan Abnormal himself this debut album is one to behold.

Pure power punk! Awesome listen.

I like these cool vibes. Like the band of your older sister, playing from the basement. The one you're not allowed in. Sounds to me like a young versions of PJ Harvey

I listened to this once when it first came out. I kinda wrote Elastica off as a one-hit wonder with Connection. I quite enjoyed rediscovering this, hopefully it won't be another 28 years before I listen again.

I like this I'd give it a 7/10 but round it up so 4 starss

Great album, no bad tracks, all runs together nicely I can't believe I missed these guys first time around

Three member bands are my jam.

4 por Cannonball

What’s miraculous isn’t that they manage to fit 16 songs onto a 40 minute record, but that they’ve each earned their spot. Ripping off Wire and The Stranglers with equally carefree admiration, unconcerned with big ideas and deep meanings, putting the joy of simple pleasures on display. Loud, pithy, and all the better for it. Standout Tracks: Connection, Car Song, Waking Up

At the time when the debut album from Elastica was released, I didn't pay much attention to the record. It was a time when alternative bands were becoming more noticed and female fronted bands from the the Riot Grrrl era were getting much attention and signed by mainstream labels. What a time for music, lots of good music being produced from bands that were otherwise considered underground and alternative. Elastica had a cleaner, more polished post-punk sound and image that I now realize is a band I should have taken notice of more. This album is high energy, loud and incredibly catchy. All thriller, no filler and I'm so sorry I didn't catch on earlier. Unfortunately, besides a second album in 2000, I would consider the band a one-album wonder, but oh what an album!

I can't go a full 5 stars, but I love this album a lot. I had this album when it came out, and played it a lot.

Elastica have been criticized for recycling hooks from Wire (Connection draws from Three Girl rhumba) and the Stranglers (Waking Up leans on No More Heroes), and I hear Bowie (Lined Up from It's No Game) and the Pixies (S.O.F.T. from Tame). But, in the words of Elvis Costello "It's how rock & roll works. You take the broken pieces of another thrill and make a brand new toy." And in all these cases, their broken pieces are tastefully chosen and the new toys are thrilling. Justine Frischmann does do the flat-affect monotone vocal styling that was a feature of Britpop, although she isn't quite as bored as the blokes sometimes seem (I'm looking at you Damon and Liam). But the playing is energetic and straightforward rock and roll. Short, sharp, smart and to the point, there are a bunch of catchy post-punk tracks here with a point of view and something to say, and I really enjoy the listen. They are energetic, muscular, snarky and smart, sexy and stylish and cool as fuck. I listened to this album straight through 3 or 4 times in a row, and it never outstayed it's welcome. The highlight tracks (Stutter, Connection, Car Song, Lined Up, Smile) are numerous, and the whole thing speeds by and is done and dusted before you get the chance to draw breath.

Score: 70 Album art: 50 This album is a fun but inconsistent time. There's a lot of good songs here but also a decent amount that arent bad by any means but they definitely aren't as interesting or well polished. The mixing on the songs is all over the place and it makes some of them feel more like demos than fully developed tracks. I like the different singing styles and the variety of different rock genres. It feels like they were having fun and I enjoyed it despite its faults

Love a rock band with a lady singer. Feels like any of these songs could be on a 90's teen movie soundtrack. This album isn't so much pop as it is punk. 15 songs, but all pretty short, it's a breeze to get through, though I wish some were longer. I don't think any of this is revolutionary, but this sound makes me feel nostalgic, enjoyed all the songs.

This was a fantastic album, great singing, great punk rock guitar and bass. Can’t believe this is the first time I heard it.

Very good

This isn't Brit-Pop first off. This is post-punk in the vein of other post-punk bands at the time. I know two members of the band had ties to Brit-Pop through Suede, but this isn't Brit-Pop. I was never a huge Elastica fan but you can hear some Bloc Party in here.

Cool as hell

Im digging this. It's like a long lost punk album that young George would have ate right up. Annie is a fun song. I hear shades of a 2000s rock sound like Bad Religion in here.

Somehow the vital connection is made. I always thought the words were "Somehow we find a connection is made." Oh well. What I also didn't realize is how SHORT that song was, only 2 and a half minutes. The other songs on the album were pretty good, too. Even the goofy ones (looking at you "Vaseline."). I can see how this album became so popular so fast. Reading their wikipedia article, I did not realize they only had two albums. (3 if you count the BBC sessions, which had a number of unreleased songs). Back to "Connection"... does it lose anything once you realize the riff was taken from the Wire? I don't know, it's still a catchy song regardless of who wrote the riff. And the other songs on the album are still good. They don't fall into the trap other bands do, where the one song outshines the rest of the work. The other stuff holds up pretty well, IMO. So yeah, I could see me coming back to this one. Listened to it twice already, so I would say it was really enjoyable for me. Maybe it was the vocals, I just liked how they came across. Strong "4" from me.

I feel like until a year ago I didn't know anything about Elastica except Connection (a solid tune). I think Waking Up came on randomly after listening to something else and I dug it so I went back to their debut album to see what else was worth adding to a best of 1995 rock list I had made. I also added Stutter (another solid tune), but I focused on singles and most listened to on Spotify and didn't really listen to the album. I missed out because this is a solid, rocking album. Pulled me in from the first two tracks before Connection - Line Up and Annie. Other highlights were Smile, Hold Me Now, SOFT, and Never Here. They pack a lot into 16 songs and only 40 minutes. Their whole trajectory and performance reminds me of the Breeders - a real solid mid-90's album from three female musicians on guitar and bass (and a male on drums), yet they kind of disappeared after that, probably in part because they got mislabeled by some (me included) as a one-hit wonder.

This band slip under my radar in the 90s. I definitely would have picked this up back then had I heard about it. The guitar in the first track reminds be a bit of Robert Fripp’s Guitar on the track “Disengage” from his Exposure record. Back to Elastica though… I enjoyed this album from start to finish and listened to it a few times. The songs are short and to the point but each one is rocking and memorable as well. Justine Frischmann’s voice is a mix of sarcastic, sexy, and aggressive. The playing on the album is solid too.

90s version of the Wire. This one has some serious Pink Flag vibes, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. They pull it off well enough. There is also a very distinct 90s sound here that takes me back to acts like Breeders, Pixies, and Blur.

Hey just because their best songs are other peoples songs doesn't mean this is not worth listening to. Still an insanely catchy and sleazy 40 minutes rifling through the post-punk canon. Think of it as sampling with instruments and you'll be fine.

more like modern punk than Britpop, although the Britpop tag never really made much sense anyway. Enjoyed this and knew more songs than I thought I would, definitely not usual indie dirge. strong 4

Stuck between 3 and 4 here, in that it's I'm quite fond of the style and of course 90s British rock, but I recognise the fact that it's not really that original or clever. I'm not 100% sure it belongs on the list, but I'm glad to have found it here regardless. As for the place and time, I get a cool punky bedroom on an autumn afternoon, and I have no idea why. 07/02/23

One of those albums that I never bought back in the day, but I pretty much know it inside out. It was EVERYWHERE around '95. The Evening Session had it on rotation each week. I finally bought a cheapo CD copy last year. It still stacks up, I still love it. The influences are clear to hear. Line Up, Connection, Waking Up, Stutter - all snarling BANGERS. Elastica were great at being a slightly more angry band compared to the othe

Just plain electric guitar music, was good when I listened it but not definitely worth looking back

I never heard of this band. Line Up: oh it's rock? Rock-ish? Women!?.... I really didn't look closely at the picture didn't I? Secretly I never got over that teenage emo-rock fase 😅

punchy and fun, super enjoyable listen

I remember the single "Connection" from Elastica when it came out. This album's music has one foot reaching towards punk energy, with the other planted in some of the BritPop of the early nineties. I liked "Connection" when it came out, and I liked this album. "Car Song" and "Indian Song" were a couple tracks that I'm saving for a re-listen. It's a bit of a stretch, but I'm rounding up to 4 stars, because I might come back to see if I missed something.

Surprisingly melodic offbeat pop, great time. A great record.

I didn't recognize the band's name, but I did recognize one of their bigger hits, "Connection". Very catchy song. Overall, I enjoyed most of the music, some of the filler songs were kind of meh. But I listened to this twice and will check out their other stuff.

Definitely enjoyed the album more than I thought I would

Classic

blast from the past

Just a solid torpedo of well-crafted post-punk. Lyrically the words suit the music well but I’m not sure they’re saying all that much. But the whole album is so well played and composed, not one real clunker in a crowd of short, fast songs, that this quibble is minor.

This album did meet my expectations. I really liked this, the whole album is very concise and is quite rare to hear a female voice in rock especially in the 90s and she did a good job with her vocals. Pretty good overall.

Very interesting

I totally missed Elastica when they first came out, and I can't be sure what I would have thought of them at the time, but this weekend, I thought they were super cool. Bowie's "Scary Monsters" channeled through Blondie at its most punk. I can't claim to remember all the songs, "See That Animal" is one I remember particularly enjoying, but I was taken by the songs and attitude and affectation of the band. I know we say this, and I'll promise to stop after this review, but it's hard to rate something on its first listen and feel like you're getting the full scope of the album. That said, my first impression was, this is a four.

I guess this answers the question what if Blur were female-led and adopted a more punk-like sound. Altogether solid.

It has a blistering first half I loved. The second half might be better with more listens, but it was not as good as the first half.

Great album. Every song is a winner. If they borrowed a riff from time to time so be it. Still sounds fresh and new and vibrant . 4.5 stars

The band and their music are all new to me, and I really like this album. Very catchy harmonies, rhythms, and melodies. There's a definite 90s rock sound to them, which of course makes sense given the time and context when so many rock bands being recorded and played on the airwaves had that grunge-y sound, but this band is more fun for me to listen to than most of the mid-90s punk-influenced rock bands.

Good old fashioned 90s rock and roll album. So good I listened twice.

Connection was one of my favourite songs as a teenager but I never listened more to Elastica, so I'm glad this gave me the opportunity. Strong Britpop album. Loads of energy and nostalgia

actually pretty fookin good. 4/5 no 10/10 songs though but the album as a whole is very nice to listen to

This album is a solid fave.

for the go getter in you..... let em out

One of the most important albums of the 90s. It felt a little dated though.

I really liked this! I've never heard of them, so thank you.

Not that it was a reinvention of British post punk, but I thought it was pretty good for the genre. Thoroughly enjoyed it. 4/5

so much fun

Can't believe this group somehow slipped past my radar all these years! This is a great discovery and a nice throwback to '90s angst, in the form of a record that sounds like it came from a jam session between friends. I enjoyed a lot of it - especially Line Up, Connection, Car Song, and Waking Up. But, I can't help but feel like this sound has been done better by bands that came before and after Elastica. Still cool, though!

It's great, some real nice soft punk Favorites: Connection, All-Nighter & Stutter

Very cool

I only like a very specific type of alternative 90s rock like this and this album is part of that specific type. I love this kind of female led retro punk type stuff. 2:1 and connection are the best tracks

I really liked the grunting sound effects in “Line Up:” it scratched an itch in my brain. I had never heard of Elastica before, but now may consider myself a fan.

This album came up and I thought "I know them" but now I realize I was thinking of Republica. This album is well encapsulated by the cover art. Starts strong and catchy and stays strong throughout, songs flying by rat-a-tat-tat. An enjoyable, energetic listen. Loved it. Favorites: Connection, Car Song.

Great stuff, not sure its britt pop but still really enjoyed this

Þrælskemmtilegt post-paunk með britpop ívafi hér og þar.

Stevig album met kort en krachtige nummers. De harmonieën in de zang komen wel tot z'n recht

Very good, but not quite great.

This album is great and lead to influencing some of my favourite acts. The observation I have is well I think Connection is the song that has endured in pop culture longer, Stutter has been seriously underserved. I still hear Connection used in movies and commercials. I was of the opinion that the Captain Marvel trailer should have you Stutter in it instead of Connection. I realize why it wasn’t chosen, as being a song about male impotence. I would also probably would have made the movie seem more exciting than I actually was. My question remains, though, why isn’t Stutter having a resurgence at this moment? Absolutely seems like a song that Olivia Rodrigo would cover on tour right now.

Pleasantly surprised: I don't normally enjoy britpop, but I love the punk edge put on this record. Think the front half is a lot stronger than the second half, and it seems to run out of steam near the end, but love the occasional noise and the occasional pop-punk sounds on this one. Favorite tracks: "Line Up", "Annie", "Connection", "Waking Up", "S.O.F.T."

Britpop revival when?

A writhing, pulsating mass of 90s Britpop indie energy. The girl power on this album is far more raw, kick-ass and, dare I say, Spicy than other iconic female (led) groups from the decade. Nice touches of grunge influence and I'm getting shades of the Pretenders. All in all a solid record

An awesome and very very underrated 90s classic... which I was only partly familiar with. But almost every song here is a banger. Not a 5-star because most of the record suffers from iffy production - apart from the singles which magically fall into place. But song wise it's a lovely and cool album.

Gah I love 90s girl alt rock and Elastica has to be one of my all time favs. Despite them fully ripping off a bunch of these tunes - they do make them their own (half points I guess) The bass guitar stands out throughout the album but I think the vocals are the unsung hero here. She's got a really effortless style thats loaded with personality. This is an album I'll be coming back to frequently - almost 5 stars Standout Tracks: Line Up, Connection, SOFT, See That Animal. Stutter

Worth it just for Connection. Anything else good on the album is gravy.

There's a real swagger to this album, which it needs to having the brass set to rip off The Stranglers et al. Good fun, hammers along.

Really solid post-punk

Хороший альбом, лёгкий, зажигательный. Blur напомнил. И не зря, судя по дате выхода и тусовке.

Sharp, smart, energetic, poppy. Nearer a 4 than a 3 for me. Would listen again.

Unfamiliar with the band. Really enjoyed their energy. Some solid tunes.

Good rocking stuff, Really fun and punky.

Poppy grungy post punk. Weirdly doesn't sound that dated. Everyting old is new again. Faves: Connection, 2:1