Gene
Foppish UK aesthetes Gene formed in the summer of 1993, quickly melding a waspish chemistry from the base components of Steve Mason (b. England; guitar), Martin Rossiter (b. England; vocals), Kevin Miles (b. England; bass) and Matt James (b. England; drums). Mason and James were formerly together in Spin. Writing songs together and honing their live profile, their influences were culled from Paul Weller, the Small Faces and, most obviously, the Smiths. Their debut release, the double a-side "For The Dead"/"Child's Body", released on the fledgling Costermonger label in May 1994, set out a distinct musical agenda. Single Of The Week and Month awards followed from New Musical Express and Select magazines, with the limited 1,994 pressing selling out within two days after it was play-listed by BBC Radio 1. A strong reaction was also gained as support to Pulp at London's Forum, where Rossiter's stage presence illuminated Gene's performance. August brought a second single, this time promoted as a "triple a-side", featuring "Be My Light, Be My Guide", "This Is Not My Crime" and "I Can't Help Myself". Gaining pole position in the UK independent poll, and reaching number 54 in the UK charts proper, the band set out on their first headlining UK tour.
Listen to Gene
at Finetune.
Albums
Top Tracks
- Town Called Malice
- Fighting Fit
- For The Dead
- Still Can't Find The Phone
- As Good As It Gets
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