Gene

Gene formed in London in 1993 and were immediately compared to The Smiths — Martin Rossiter's vocals and the band's guitar sound invited the comparison, and it followed them throughout their career. It was both accurate and reductive: yes, the Smiths influence was audible, but Rossiter's songwriting had its own emotional register, and the band's best work stands independently of its influences.

'Olympian' (1995) was a strong debut — 'Be My Light, Be My Guide', 'Sleep Well Tonight', and 'Haunted by You' were all excellent singles. The album reached number eight and established Gene as one of the more thoughtful bands of the Britpop era. Rossiter's lyrics were melancholy and romantic in a way that felt genuinely felt rather than performed.

'To See the Lights' (1996) and 'Drawn to the Deep End' (1997) maintained the quality, but Gene never achieved the commercial breakthrough that their talent suggested was possible. They split in 2004. Rossiter has spoken candidly about the difficulties of the music industry and the band's failure to reach their potential. The back catalogue rewards rediscovery.