Elastica Redeemed
After a long hiatus and a bitter band breakup, Justine Frischmann reflects on the challenge of regaining creative momentum.
by Steve Baltin
August 25, 2000
Elastica first came to the U.S. in 1995 amidst a hail of praise and hype, as the band's blistering punk-laced pop resulted in the hit single "Connection," a spot on the Lollapalooza tour, and the fastest-selling debut in England's history to that point. Leading the charge was lanky singer/guitarist Justine Frischmann. The former Suede guitarist moved seamlessly into the role of frontwoman and proved herself a natural rock star.
Even so, things fell apart for Elastica just as quickly as they came together. The unraveling began when bassist Annie Holland quit the band in '95. Frischmann took the departure hard, and after the band finished touring in support of their album Elastica in '96, it vanished almost as quickly as it appeared: Elastica did not perform live until the group reemerged at 1999's Reading Festival in the U.K.
Following a tumultuous three-year absence from the limelight (during which Frischmann now admits she thought about disbanding the group altogether), Elastica is back with The Menace. Ironically, it was Frischmann's reconnecting with Holland that led to the new album. Frustrated by the direction of the new material, Frischmann was almost ready to give it up when she ran into Holland. After Holland told Frischmann that she missed working with her, a new incarnation of Elastica was born, and The Menace was recorded in six weeks.
From the opening riff of "Mad Dog God Dam" this new version of the group establishes a harder, edgier sound. This is not merely Elastica 2.0, but a rejuvenated band led by a rejuvenated Frischmann, ready to re-conquer the music world.
Next Page: The Jolt of Playing Live; New Band, New Energy....
Steve Baltin spent two years as Senior Rock Editor for CDNOW. He presently writes for Rolling Stone Online, Maxim, Request, the Experience Music Project online, and several other publications and websites.
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