Feline (group)
Encyclopedia
Feline were an English rock
group formed in London
, in 1995. They formed from the remnants of a few earlier underground bands such as Flinch and Miranda Sex Garden
. Like most female-fronted rock groups of that era in popular music, they were likened to more mainstream acts such as Garbage
, and The Cardigans
.
Lead-singer Grog Prebble would never define Feline's music any more than acknowledging those dark elements within it, but admitteed to some influences such as Sonic Youth
, Iggy Pop
, and The Pixies. A classically trained pianist
, Grog wrote the bulk of Feline's material; some of the songs she recorded with Feline were written by her prior to the band's formation.
Generally getting good write-ups in the rock press, such as NME
and Kerrang!
, they released a number of singles
, a limited release album
and a single full length album between 1997 and 1998 but were not successful. Their record label
dropped them in 1999 as part of a company-wide roster clear out, and they split, with several members moving onto form Ultraviolet, and then, the relatively more successful Die So Fluid
.
disc jockey John Peel
. Soon afterwards the band collapsed, with Grog going on to form Feline.
in the summer of 1996, during which time they signed a major label deal with Chrysalis Records
, a subsidiary of EMI
. The band built up a steady set of songs which were recorded at the beginning of 1997 for their first release.
The band recorded the bulk of their first record, Save Your Face
, in various London recording studio
s with David M. Allen
who had recently helmed records by The Cure
and Neneh Cherry
. They would work with Pat Collier
(formerly of The Vibrators
, now a producer) on mixing the record, as well as recording a further two tracks at South Beach Studios in Miami, Florida
with the record producer
Tom Lord-Alge
. By this time, Drew had decided to leave the group, to be replaced by new drummer
Mig.
On completion of studio work, the band launched into a summer tour as support act for label-mates Kenickie
, and then back on the road headlining rock clubs throughout the UK - including a headlining appearance at NMEs "On" night in July. In August 1997, the group's debut single "Just As You Are" was issued, pre-empting their debut album the week after. Despite some promotion on rock radio, as well as a live set and interview for MTV Europe
's Superock show, neither release charted either in the UK Singles Chart
nor UK Albums Chart
.
In early 1998 the band toured the UK in support of Catherine Wheel
, and worked with producer Chris Sheldon
to remix a few of their songs, as well as record some new tracks for release the following months.
They issued "Sun In My Eyes" as a proper single release in May 1998, but due to little promotion it charted at #88 in the UK. The band nevertheless toured in support of it, and prepared to release a follow-up single, the newly recorded "Drama Queen" in July 1998. The release was cancelled at last minute, as the band felt that they would rather re-release their debut album - updated and expanded with the new tracks.
The new edition of their album was self-titled Feline and was issued with different packaging to Save Your Face. The band took off on a short summer tour to promote it, with the addition of new drummer Al Fletcher who replaced Mig. The album's closing track "Release" was then planned as the band's next single, with a video being shot by Howard Greenhalgh.
In late 1998, EMI shook up their roster of acts, and the band were dropped from the label before "Release" was issued. After this, the band decided to go their separate ways.
's before they reformed into the harder Die So Fluid
who are still performing. Grog became well known to pop fans throughout 2003 when she guest performed bass guitar
for Melanie C and Kelly Osbourne
.
Ted Garcia is now a corporate lawyer with Pinsent Masons LLP and managing the Glasgow band, San Sebastian.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
group formed in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, in 1995. They formed from the remnants of a few earlier underground bands such as Flinch and Miranda Sex Garden
Miranda Sex Garden
Miranda Sex Garden were a music group from London, England. Formed in 1990, they were originally a trio of madrigal singers. Their first album, Madra , was entirely a cappella, with the songs all based on traditional English verse...
. Like most female-fronted rock groups of that era in popular music, they were likened to more mainstream acts such as Garbage
Garbage (band)
Garbage are an alternative rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin in 1994. The group consists of Scottish singer Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson , Steve Marker and Butch Vig . All four members are involved in songwriting and production...
, and The Cardigans
The Cardigans
The Cardigans are a Swedish rock band formed in the town of Jönköping in October 1992.Their debut album Emmerdale gave them a solid base in their home country and enjoyed some success abroad, especially in Japan. It was not until their second album Life that an international reputation was secured...
.
Lead-singer Grog Prebble would never define Feline's music any more than acknowledging those dark elements within it, but admitteed to some influences such as Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth is an American alternative rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. The current lineup consists of Thurston Moore , Kim Gordon , Lee Ranaldo , Steve Shelley , and Mark Ibold .In their early career, Sonic Youth was associated with the No Wave art and music scene in New York City...
, Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though considered an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, metal, jazz and blues...
, and The Pixies. A classically trained pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
, Grog wrote the bulk of Feline's material; some of the songs she recorded with Feline were written by her prior to the band's formation.
Generally getting good write-ups in the rock press, such as NME
NME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
and Kerrang!
Kerrang!
Kerrang! is a UK-based magazine devoted to rock music published by Bauer Media Group. It was first published on June 6, 1981 as a one-off supplement in the Sounds newspaper...
, they released a number of singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
, a limited release album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
and a single full length album between 1997 and 1998 but were not successful. Their record label
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
dropped them in 1999 as part of a company-wide roster clear out, and they split, with several members moving onto form Ultraviolet, and then, the relatively more successful Die So Fluid
Die So Fluid
Die So Fluid are an English hard rock band that formed in London, England in 2000. The group consists of 3 members, songwriter Grog , Drew Richards , and Al Fletcher . They have released 3 full length albums, Spawn of Dysfunction and Not Everybody Gets a Happy Ending...
.
Pre-history
Grog's previous group Flinch had released two independent singles before attracting press interest as one of the UK's most promising bands of 1994 - and recorded a session for BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
disc jockey John Peel
John Peel
John Robert Parker Ravenscroft, OBE , known professionally as John Peel, was an English disc jockey, radio presenter, record producer and journalist. He was the longest-serving of the original BBC Radio 1 DJs, broadcasting regularly from 1967 until his death in 2004...
. Soon afterwards the band collapsed, with Grog going on to form Feline.
Career
Feline officially formed in October 1995 with Grog on vocals and bass, Guy Prebble and Drew Richards on guitar and Steve Drew on drums. Shortly after forming, Guy Prebble left the band and was replaced by guitarist Ted Garcia. The band then performed live throughout the following year, including a spot at the Phoenix FestivalPhoenix Festival
The Phoenix Festival was set up by Vince Power of the Mean Fiddler Music Group in 1993 as an alternative to the established Glastonbury and Reading Festivals...
in the summer of 1996, during which time they signed a major label deal with Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records
Chrysalis Records was a British record label that was created in 1969. The name was both a reference to the pupal stage of a butterfly and a combination of its founders names, Chris Wright and Terry Ellis...
, a subsidiary of EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
. The band built up a steady set of songs which were recorded at the beginning of 1997 for their first release.
The band recorded the bulk of their first record, Save Your Face
Save Your Face
Save Your Face is the debut album by alternative rock group Feline. It was released on a limited basis in 1997 in the United Kingdom, Europe and Japan, in support of the band's touring, and was preceded by lead single "Just As You Are"....
, in various London recording studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
s with David M. Allen
David M. Allen
David M. Allen is a British record producer, engineer and mixer. He is mostly known for his work with new wave, synth pop and goth rock bands including The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, The Chameleons, Depeche Mode, The Associates, The Human League, Clan of Xymox, Gianna Nannini, Shelleyan Orphan and...
who had recently helmed records by The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
and Neneh Cherry
Neneh Cherry
Neneh Mariann Cherry is a Swedish singer-songwriter, rapper, and occasional DJ and broadcaster...
. They would work with Pat Collier
Pat Collier
Pat 'Red' Collier played Gaelic football for the Meath senior football team in the 1960's. He won 1 All-Ireland titles with Meath in 1967. He played club football for Stamullen. He first played for Meath in the Right Full Back position but he is best remered as an attacking and determined Right...
(formerly of The Vibrators
The Vibrators
- Early career:The Vibrators were founded by Ian 'Knox' Carnochan, bassist Pat Collier, guitarist John Ellis, and drummer John 'Eddie' Edwards. They first came to public notice at the 100 Club when they backed Chris Spedding in 1976. On Spedding's recommendation, Mickie Most signed them to his...
, now a producer) on mixing the record, as well as recording a further two tracks at South Beach Studios in Miami, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
with the record producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
Tom Lord-Alge
Tom Lord-Alge
Tom Lord-Alge is a four-time Grammy Award–winning record producer and mixer. He is the youngest of Vivian Lord's five children, Mark Lord-Alge, Lisa Lord-Alge, Chris Lord-Alge, Jeff Lord-Alge and Tom Lord-Alge...
. By this time, Drew had decided to leave the group, to be replaced by new drummer
Drummer
A drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
Mig.
On completion of studio work, the band launched into a summer tour as support act for label-mates Kenickie
Kenickie
Kenickie were a four-piece rock band from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England. The band were formed in 1994 and consisted of lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Lauren Laverne , drummer Johnny X , lead guitarist and occasional vocalist Marie du Santiago and bass guitarist Emmy-Kate Montrose...
, and then back on the road headlining rock clubs throughout the UK - including a headlining appearance at NMEs "On" night in July. In August 1997, the group's debut single "Just As You Are" was issued, pre-empting their debut album the week after. Despite some promotion on rock radio, as well as a live set and interview for MTV Europe
MTV Europe
MTV Europe is a pan-European 24-hour entertainment cable and digital television network launched on August 1, 1987. Initially, the channel served all regions within Europe being one of the very few channels that targeted the entire European continent...
's Superock show, neither release charted either in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
nor UK Albums Chart
UK Albums Chart
The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart...
.
In early 1998 the band toured the UK in support of Catherine Wheel
Catherine Wheel
Catherine Wheel were a four-piece alternative rock band from Great Yarmouth, England. The band was active from 1990 to 2000, experiencing fluctuating levels of commercial success, and embarking on many lengthy tours.-Biography:...
, and worked with producer Chris Sheldon
Chris Sheldon
Chris Sheldon is a record producer, particularly of rock music, based in London, UK. He has produced or mixed records for the Foo Fighters, Garbage, Feeder, Biffy Clyro, Oceansize and Pixies amongst others...
to remix a few of their songs, as well as record some new tracks for release the following months.
They issued "Sun In My Eyes" as a proper single release in May 1998, but due to little promotion it charted at #88 in the UK. The band nevertheless toured in support of it, and prepared to release a follow-up single, the newly recorded "Drama Queen" in July 1998. The release was cancelled at last minute, as the band felt that they would rather re-release their debut album - updated and expanded with the new tracks.
The new edition of their album was self-titled Feline and was issued with different packaging to Save Your Face. The band took off on a short summer tour to promote it, with the addition of new drummer Al Fletcher who replaced Mig. The album's closing track "Release" was then planned as the band's next single, with a video being shot by Howard Greenhalgh.
In late 1998, EMI shook up their roster of acts, and the band were dropped from the label before "Release" was issued. After this, the band decided to go their separate ways.
Post-history
Upon Feline's split, Grog and Drew Richards re-emerged as Ultraviolet, who released a number of EPExtended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
's before they reformed into the harder Die So Fluid
Die So Fluid
Die So Fluid are an English hard rock band that formed in London, England in 2000. The group consists of 3 members, songwriter Grog , Drew Richards , and Al Fletcher . They have released 3 full length albums, Spawn of Dysfunction and Not Everybody Gets a Happy Ending...
who are still performing. Grog became well known to pop fans throughout 2003 when she guest performed bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
for Melanie C and Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Michelle Lee Osbourne is an English media personality, television personality, host, judge, fashion designer, singer, and actress, best known for being the daughter of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne...
.
Ted Garcia is now a corporate lawyer with Pinsent Masons LLP and managing the Glasgow band, San Sebastian.
Albums
| Year | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Save Your Face Save Your Face Save Your Face is the debut album by alternative rock group Feline. It was released on a limited basis in 1997 in the United Kingdom, Europe and Japan, in support of the band's touring, and was preceded by lead single "Just As You Are"....
|
| 1998 | Feline
|
B-sides
| Year | B-side | Length | A-side | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 1997 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1997.-January:*January 9 – David Bowie performs his 50th Birthday Bash concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA with guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith of The Cure, Lou Reed, and Billy... |
"Highway" | 4:12 | "Just As You Are" | Produced by David M. Allen. Mixed by Pat Collier. |
| "Two Minds" | 3:12 | Produced and mixed by Pat Collier. | ||
| "Shape Changing" | 4:57 | Produced by David M. Allen. Mixed by Pat Collier. | ||
| 1998 1998 in music This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1998.-Events:*January 28 – "Weird Al" Yankovic gets LASIK surgery to cure his myopia... |
"Innocent Lives" | 3:13 | "Sun In My Eyes" | Produced and mixed by Pat Collier. |
| "Rumour Mill" | 3:17 | Produced by David M. Allen. Mixed by Pat Collier. | ||
| "The Air That I Breathe The Air That I Breathe "The Air That I Breathe" is a ballad written by Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, initially recorded by Albert Hammond on his 1972 album It Never Rains In Southern California.-History:... " |
5:52 | Written by Hammond Albert Hammond Albert Hammond OBE is a British singer, songwriter and record producer from Gibraltar.-Birth and early success:Hammond was born in London, England, where his family had been evacuated to from Gibraltar during World War II. His family returned to Gibraltar shortly after his birth, and there he grew... and Hazelwood Mike Hazelwood (singer) Mike Hazlewood was an English singer, composer and songwriter.-Biography:Educated at Hazelwick School, in Crawley, West Sussex, Hazlewood began his career as a DJ at the radio station Radio Luxembourg in the early 1960s. In 1966 he founded the group The Family Dogg, together with Albert Hammond... . Produced and engineered by Pat Collier. |
||
| "Germaine" | 4:25 | Produced by David M. Allen. Mixed by Pat Collier. | ||
| "Wake The Dead" | -- | "Drama Queen" | Unreleased. | |
| "Live With Me" | -- | Unreleased. | ||
| "Wheel" | -- | Unreleased. |