Description
#lush #vinyl #vinylrecords
Lush’s first official album, released in 1992, is a timeless masterpiece from the shoegaze era. Initially misunderstood, it inspired a multitude of imitators. If you didn’t experience it the first time around, now is the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with this influential work.
The early ’90s wasn’t the finest period for alternative music. Despite Nirvana’s success, grunge was predominantly a male-dominated genre with subpar music. Shoegaze, although re-evaluated in recent years, was largely despised by the music press. Amidst this atmosphere, Lush stood out like a sore thumb. Their music didn’t fit neatly into the dense noise of My Bloody Valentine or the polished pop of the time. Emma Anderson and Miki Berenyi’s unique style set them apart, attracting attention from fans of quirky, singular music. Forming a band after meeting at school, the duo published a fanzine together before enlisting vocalist Meriel Barham (formerly of Pale Saints), bassist Steve Rippon, and drummer Chris Acland. Barham eventually departed to join Pale Saints, leaving Berenyi to take over lead vocals while Anderson provided harmonies.
The heart of Lush lies in the intricate interplay between Berenyi and Anderson, who both contributed as songwriters. Their ethereal harmonies defied the expectations of the British alternative scene, leaning more toward delicate folk than raw rock. Signing with 4AD, home to artists like Cocteau Twins, allowed their music to retain a dreamlike quality. While the influence of Cocteau Twins’ Robin Guthrie is less apparent on ‘Spooky’, it still looms over the songs. Berenyi and Anderson’s shimmering guitars create a lush tapestry, providing a foundation for their soft, romantic vocals. In retrospect, it is understandable why many indie listeners found their music confusing. While elements of their sound can be traced to whimsical twee pop and the underground C86 scene, Lush’s poppiness was a deceptive red herring for the music press.
In the years following Lush’s breakup in the mid-’90s, interest in shoegaze and the band has steadily grown. As the music press has become more accepting of rock music produced by talented women, numerous bands have emerged, inspired by Lush’s trailblazing style. ‘Spooky’ remains a significant benchmark, appearing like a burst of light and sounding like pure sunshine. Lush were truly ahead of their time. If you haven’t already discovered Emma Anderson’s debut solo album ‘Pearlies’, do yourself a favor and give this album a listen.
